Advances in three-dimensional printing of hydrogel formulations for vascularized tissue and organ regeneration

J Biomater Sci Polym Ed. 2025 Jul;36(10):1423-1465. doi: 10.1080/09205063.2024.2449294. Epub 2025 Feb 3.

Abstract

Over the last decades, three-dimensional (3D) printing has emerged as one of the most promising alternative tissue and organ regeneration technologies. Recent advances in 3D printing technology, particularly in hydrogel-derived bioink formulations, offer promising solutions for fabricating intricate, biomimetic scaffolds that promote vascularization. In this review, we presented numerous studies that have been conducted to fabricate 3D-printed hydrogel vascularized constructs with significant advancements in printing integumentary systems, cardiovascular systems, vascularized bone tissues, skeletal muscles, livers, and kidneys. Furthermore, this work also discusses the engineering considerations, current challenges, proposed solutions, and future outlooks of 3D bioprinting.

Keywords: 3D printing; advances; hydrogel bioinks; tissue engineering; vascularization.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bioprinting / methods
  • Humans
  • Hydrogels* / chemistry
  • Neovascularization, Physiologic*
  • Printing, Three-Dimensional*
  • Regeneration*
  • Tissue Engineering* / methods
  • Tissue Scaffolds / chemistry

Substances

  • Hydrogels