A comprehensive review of 3D bioprinting biomaterials: Properties, strategies and wound healing application

3D printing technologies, also referred to as additive manufacturing or rapid prototyping have gained attention over the past few years for tissue engineering, the printing of artificial organs and the bioprinting of 3D hydrogels for wound dressings applications. 3D printing can transform the virtual 3D model created by computer-aided design into layer-by-layer physical 3D objects by using different 3D printing technologies. Wounds are a major health fear which affects the lives of people. So, delay in the treatment can lead to the development of chronic wounds which may even lead to mortality. Recently, 3D printing technology is an emerging platform in the development the smart wound dressings which can be loaded with a variety of materials (antibiotics, antibacterial drugs and nanoparticles) that can help accelerate the wound healing rate. Hydrogels have been widely used in wound healing, as they are biocompatible, non-toxic materials. This review mainly focuses on the hydrogel-based biomaterial used in 3D bioprinting and their potential use as a wound healing material. The materials for 3D printing of hydrogels, such as synthetic polymers and natural polymers used as wound dressings are mainly discussed. It covers various 3D bioprinting technologies which include laser printing, stereolithography, extrusion printing, fused disposition printing, and inkjet printing. It also provides a comprehensive overview of the physical, mechanical and biological properties of biomaterial, enabling them as an ideal biomaterial for 3D printing. An outlook on applications and future prospects of hydrogel-based 3D printing is presented.Graphical abstract