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International

Journal of Bioprinting

REVIEW ARTICLE
Three-dimensional bioprinting technologies

and biomaterials for nerve guidance
conduits: A review

Yuexi Zhuang , Miriam Seiti , and Eleonora Ferraris* id
id
id
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering Technology, KU Leuven,
Leuven, Belgium

Abstract

Repairing long peripheral nerve gap injuries and reconstructing corresponding
functions remain two major challenges in regenerative medicine. The application
of nerve conduits, constructed via neural tissue engineering (NTE) strategies,
has emerged as a prominent research focus and an essential tool for nerve repair.
Among NTE technologies, additive manufacturing (AM), especially bioprinting,
represents one of the most promising fabrication approaches for neural conduits.
This review systematically analyzes the current research progress on peripheral
nerve conduit fabrication, particularly emphasizing how different conduit structures,
biomaterials, and AM techniques synergistically influence nerve regeneration
outcomes. The review also summarizes the principles and recommendations for
selecting appropriate nerve conduit structures for different defect lengths and
injury stages, providing a theoretical basis for the design and practical application
*Corresponding author: of conduit structures. Additionally, it focuses on the role of advanced bioprinting
Eleonora Ferraris technologies in enhancing conduit complexity, cell guidance, and functional
(eleonora.ferraris@kuleuven.be)
recovery. Furthermore, this review highlights emerging trends and discusses
Citation: Zhuang Y, Seiti M, critical future directions for integrating structure design, material selection, and
Ferraris E. Three-dimensional printing strategies toward the next generation of nerve conduits. This review aims
bioprinting technologies and
biomaterials for nerve guidance to provide a comprehensive perspective for advancing peripheral nerve repair by
conduits: A review. bridging biomaterial engineering, manufacturing innovations, and regenerative
Int J Bioprint. 2025;11(4):32-65. medicine needs.
doi: 10.36922/IJB025140120
Received: April 2, 2025
Revised: May 16, 2025 Keywords: Additive manufacturing; Biofabrication; Nerve conduit;
Accepted: May 26, 2025 Neural tissue engineering
Published Online: June 6, 2025
Copyright: © 2025 Author(s).
This is an Open Access article
distributed under the terms of the
Creative Commons Attribution 1. Introduction
License, permitting distribution,
and reproduction in any medium, Peripheral nerves are characterized by a complex structure and wide distribution,
provided the original work is making peripheral nerve injury (PNI) a very common injury in the human body. Once
1
properly cited. the peripheral nerves are damaged and the nerve conduction pathways are interrupted,
Publisher’s Note: AccScience the respective target organs are impaired, and bodily functions are hampered. Injured
Publishing remains neutral with peripheral nerves can self-regenerate under specific microenvironmental conditions,
2
regard to jurisdictional claims in
published maps and institutional but this repair capacity is limited. Understanding the structural organization and
affiliations. regenerative mechanisms of peripheral nerves is important for elucidating the post-

Volume 11 Issue 4 (2025) 32 doi: 10.36922/IJB025140120