Osteochondral injuries are common and typically affect a young, athletic population, which has proven to be a challenge for orthopedic surgeons. Tissue engineering of osteochondral repair using bioactive biomaterials has the potential to overcome the current limitations and results in native-like tissue repair with good integration capabilities. In recent years, the rapid development of 3D printing technologies and biocomposites has led to significant research into tissue engineering strategies in the treatment of osteochondral and bone defects. These advanced technologies and biomaterials have been demonstrated to be superior to the current treatment options, which have limited efficacy. Therefore, using the 3D printing method to prepare novel biomaterials shows a broad application potential in osteochondral repair.

This Research Topic focuses on frontiers in 3D printed biomaterials and aims to provide an update on the novel 3D printing technologies and biocomposites that show promise for bone and cartilage engineering: from fundamental research to pre-or clinical applications. Therefore, this Research Topic attempts to resolve complex problems in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine: for instance, how to design 3D printed materials with similar mechanical and physiological states to the healthy bone, cartilage; how to apply the novel tissue engineering technology such as 3D scanning and 3D bioprinting for repairing bone, cartilage defect; how to fabricate biomimetic scaffolds with 3D microenvironment able to support cell growth and tissue functionality; how to create a biomimetic condition facilitating cells, matrix and vessels to regenerate in bioengineering bone, cartilage.

Any manuscript referring to 3D printing technology or 3D printed biomaterials in the field of bone and cartilage, regeneration is welcomed. Preferentially, new biomaterials, structural design, or novel bio-inks to overcome the challenge of cartilage and bone repair will be considered. Besides, studies on material properties and biomechanics with in-depth insights regarding the safety and reliability of 3D printing technology are also encouraged.
The specific sub-topics include but are not limited to:
1. New materials, such as bioceramics, hydrogels, and nanofibers.
2. Strategies to modulate differentiation of the stem cells and redifferentiation of the chondrocytes.
3. Advances in additive manufacturing for bone and cartilage tissue engineering scaffolds.
4. 3D printing application in bone and cartilage reconstruction.
5. Developments of new bio-inks for bone and cartilage reconstruction.
6. Bionic design of bone and cartilage tissue on scaffold and bio-ink, including biological function, microstructure, mechanical properties, and so on.

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