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International Journal of Bioprinting 3D-printed nanocomposites: Synthesis & applications

multicellular arrangements, which are critical for the applications. The objective of the current discussion is to
proper functioning of tissues. By mimicking the native provide an overview of the synergistic potential between
tissue microenvironment, 3D-bioprinted constructs the fields of 3D bioprinting and AF-PNC, along with its
have the potential to exhibit enhanced functionality and innovative perspectives. Secondly, the article concentrates
promote more accurate tissue replication. This technology on several different types of AFs, the application of which
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has far-reaching implications in regenerative medicine, in 3D bioprinting provides distinctive prospects, despite
as it offers the possibility of creating personalized tissues the extensive research conducted on nanocomposites with
and organs tailored to individual patient needs. Moreover, isotropic fillers. This review aims to enhance the current
3D bioprinting enables the fabrication of tissue models for knowledge base in the specialized area of AF-PNCs through
drug screening and disease research, providing a platform an analysis of synthesis techniques, dispersion strategies,
for more accurate and efficient preclinical studies. Overall, and resultant properties. Finally, this article delves into
3D bioprinting represents a transformative approach in the multifaceted applications of 3D-bioprinted AF-
tissue engineering with the potential to revolutionize PNCs, which extend beyond the conventional mechanical
regenerative medicine and address the growing demand improvements commonly attributed to such materials.
for tissue-engineered therapies.
The prospective applications of the subject matter in the
Anisotropic filler (AF)-reinforced polymer application of tissue engineering, drug delivery systems,
nanocomposites (PNCs) are a type of material that and bioelectronic devices are also discussed.
merges polymer matrices with fillers that have directional
properties. Fillers like carbon nanotubes (CNT), 2. Overview of 3D printing techniques
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graphene, nanocellulose, or aligned nanofibers are usually
used to give nanocomposites anisotropic properties. 3D printing, a subset of additive manufacturing (AM),
Incorporating anisotropic fillers into polymer matrices can constructs 3D structures layer by layer from a variety of
affect their mechanical, electrical, thermal, cell behavior, materials, including plastics, metal, and polymers. 8-10 It
and other functional properties in specific directions. possesses several advantages, in terms of cost-efficiency,
3
The production of AF-PNCs involves various techniques, ease of operation, and mass production availability, as
such as electrospinning, self-assembly, templating, compared to traditional manufacturing procedures.
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and other fabrication methods. Nanocomposites have However, 3D printing is difficult since it typically involves
numerous applications in various fields, including a process of trial and error in order to determine the
aerospace, automotive, electronics, energy, and biomedical combination of components (material, printer, process
engineering. Their anisotropic properties can be parameters, and post-processing) that can generate the
4
utilized to enhance performance and functionality in desired result. On the other hand, with the exception of
specific directions. fibrous reinforcements, it is extremely challenging for
The integration of 3D bioprinting and nanocomposites manufacturers to manage the distribution or placement of
holds great significance and potential in tissue engineering fillers inside polymeric frameworks. 12
and beyond. The mechanical properties of 3D-printed 3D printing applications include not only manufacture
constructs can be significantly enhanced by incorporating of clothing and toys as well as construction, but also
nanoscale fillers into the bioink or polymer matrix, biomedicine like fabrication of cartilage, ears, and skin.
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resulting in increased strength and structural integrity. Non-living constructs are fabricated as 3D-printed objects
Nanocomposites can be designed to have specific to serve as space-filling or structural prostheses in medical
biological functions, allowing for the precise release of applications. However, replacement of injured organs is
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bioactive molecules that can affect cellular behavior and 14
promote tissue regeneration. By incorporating functional the final goal of tissue engineering. Bioprinting can be
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elements that possess unique properties, such as electrical used to create organ-mimetic scaffolds, which precisely
conductivity or magnetic responsiveness, it becomes deposit bioinks to fabricate tissue-mimetic structures. The
possible to create multifunctional tissues and bioelectronic 3D environment promotes cell–cell and cell–extracellular
devices. In essence, the combination of 3D bioprinting matrix (ECM) interactions which are not available in
and nanocomposites offers a promising avenue for the plate-culturing conditions. 15-17
creation of tailored tissue constructs that possess enhanced The four main 3D bioprinting techniques are inkjet-
mechanical, biological, and functional characteristics. 7 based, laser-assisted, light-induced, and microextrusion-
The distinctive aspect of this review article is its based printing (Figure 1). 18-22 The main features of the four
exclusive amalgamation of methodologies, focus on categories, including operation principle, resolution, ink
anisotropic fillers, and investigation of multifaceted materials, and cell viability, are summarized in Table 1.

Volume 10 Issue 2 (2024) 81 doi: 10.36922/ijb.1637