About this Research Topic
In order to ensure a successful dental implant treatment, adequate alveolar bone volume is required. In case of the atrophic alveolar ridge, bone augmentation can be brought about by different techniques, including the use of bone grafting materials. An ideal scaffold for extensive alveolar bone reconstruction should offer good mechanical properties at the beginning and should be designed to be replaced by newly formed tissue, while maintaining adequate mechanical strength and structural support in the meantime.
In the last decades, the application areas of additive manufacturing (AM) technologies have broadened, especially in the field of regenerative medicine, thus enabling the fabrication of complex three-dimensional constructs. A variety of techniques have been proposed for bone tissue engineering applications, including but not limited to direct ink writing, binder jetting, and selective laser sintering. Several biomaterials have been used to this aim, such as ceramics, polymers, and composite materials consisting of a combination of both.
3D scaffolds can be printed based on patients’ Computed Tomography (CT) or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) data, tailored to the exact shape of the bone defect. Advancements in AM technologies have allowed the fabrication of 3D-printed customized biomimetic bone scaffolds with hierarchical structural organization and controlled porosity, mimicking natural bone architecture.
The incorporation of cells and growth factors within the scaffolds is attracting growing attention, as they could drastically increase the osteogenic potential of the 3D-printed scaffolds, thus improving and accelerating bone healing.
Even though considerable progress has been made in recent years, there are still numerous challenges to address before AM becomes clinically relevant.
This Research Topic aims to provide a collection of original preclinical and clinical research articles, as well as critical reviews of the current literature on non-metallic bone scaffolds produced by means of AM technologies, with particular focus on cell-scaffold interaction, functionalization strategies as well as personalized therapy.
We would like to acknowledge Dr. Giulia Brunello who has acted as coordinator and has organized the preparation of the proposal for this Research Topic.
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
In the last decades, the application areas of additive manufacturing (AM) technologies have broadened, especially in the field of regenerative medicine, thus enabling the fabrication of complex three-dimensional constructs. A variety of techniques have been proposed for bone tissue engineering applications, including but not limited to direct ink writing, binder jetting, and selective laser sintering. Several biomaterials have been used to this aim, such as ceramics, polymers, and composite materials consisting of a combination of both.
3D scaffolds can be printed based on patients’ Computed Tomography (CT) or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) data, tailored to the exact shape of the bone defect. Advancements in AM technologies have allowed the fabrication of 3D-printed customized biomimetic bone scaffolds with hierarchical structural organization and controlled porosity, mimicking natural bone architecture.
The incorporation of cells and growth factors within the scaffolds is attracting growing attention, as they could drastically increase the osteogenic potential of the 3D-printed scaffolds, thus improving and accelerating bone healing.
Even though considerable progress has been made in recent years, there are still numerous challenges to address before AM becomes clinically relevant.
This Research Topic aims to provide a collection of original preclinical and clinical research articles, as well as critical reviews of the current literature on non-metallic bone scaffolds produced by means of AM technologies, with particular focus on cell-scaffold interaction, functionalization strategies as well as personalized therapy.
We would like to acknowledge Dr. Giulia Brunello who has acted as coordinator and has organized the preparation of the proposal for this Research Topic.
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
Keywords: Bone Regeneration, 3D Printing, Biocompatibility, Regenerative Medicine, Personalized Therapy
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
