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Materials Science in Additive Manufacturing Hydrogels in mandibular reconstruction

humidity, microbial diversity, and complex mandibular 2. Hydrogels-based scaffolds
stress patterns (including axial and cantilever loads),
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hydrogel design considerations for mandibular repair Hydrogels have gained significant attention as a leading
typically include: (1) superior biocompatibility and candidate for scaffold-driven mandibular repair, due to
biodegradability for seamless tissue integration without their biocompatibility and structural similarity to the
foreign body reactions; (2) adequate mechanical strength body’s natural ECM. These characteristics make hydrogels
matching mandibular stress characteristics to withstand suitable for promoting cell adhesion, proliferation, and
masticatory loads; (3) excellent injectability to adapt to differentiation, which are essential for effective tissue
irregular defects; and (4) antibacterial properties against regeneration in mandibular defects. Hydrogel-based
oral bacterial infections. scaffolds can be designed to deliver growth factors, stem
Considering the complexity of mandibular cells, or bioactive molecules, thereby enhancing bone
reconstruction, this review focuses on hydrogel regeneration and functional recovery. Furthermore, their
design strategies and their applications in mandibular adaptable mechanical properties allow for the adjustment
regeneration. In addition, we discuss common pathways of stiffness and degradation rates to align with the
by which hydrogel materials promote osteogenesis. specific needs of mandibular reconstruction. Advances
Figure 2 illustrates hydrogel applications in bone defect in 3D printing technology allow for precise control over
repair, highlighting functions such as osteoconduction, the shape and internal structure of hydrogel scaffolds,
angiogenesis, and osteoinduction. facilitating the creation of scaffolds that accurately mimic

Figure 2. Illustration of hydrogel-based materials for bone regeneration, with a specific focus on three pivotal aspects: osteoconduction, angiogenesis, and
osteoinduction. Some fabrication methods are shown as examples. Created with BioRender.com

Volume 4 Issue 2 (2025) 3 doi: 10.36922/MSAM025070006