Applications and prospects of indirect 3D printing technology in bone tissue engineering

In bone tissue engineering, manufacturing bone tissue constructs that closely replicate physiological features for regenerative repair remains a significant challenge. In recent years, the advent of indirect 3D printing technology has overcome the stringent material demands, confined resolution, and structural control challenges inherent to direct 3D printing. By utilizing sacrificial templates, the natural structures and physiological functions of bone tissues can be precisely duplicated. It facilitates the fabrication of vascularized and biomimetic bone constructs that are similar to natural counterparts. Hence, indirect 3D printing technology is increasingly recognized as a promising option for bone regenerative therapies. Based on the aforementioned research hotspots, this review outlines the classification and techniques of indirect 3D printing, along with the associated printing materials and methodologies. More importantly, a detailed summary of the clinical application prospects of indirect 3D printing in the regeneration of bone, cartilage and osteochondral tissues is provided, along with exploring the current challenges and outlook of this technology.