“3D Bioprinting for Reconstructive Surgery: Principles, Applications and Challenges”

Despite the increasing laboratory research in the growing field of 3D bioprinting there are few reports of successful translation into surgical practice. This review outlines the principles of 3D bioprinting including software and hardware processes, biocompatible technological platforms and suitable bioinks. The advantages of 3D bioprinting over traditional tissue engineering techniques in assembling cells, biomaterials and biomolecules in a spatially controlled manner to reproduce native tissue macro-, micro- and nano-architecture is discussed, together with an overview of current progress in bioprinting tissue types relevant for plastic and reconstructive surgery.

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