Additive Manufacturing Techniques for Tissue Engineering Scaffolds

Additive manufacturing techniques have revolutionised the fabrication of tissue engineering scaffolds by enabling precise control over architecture, composition and surface properties. Through layer-by-layer assembly, three-dimensional structures can be customised to mimic native extracellular matrices, incorporating gradients in porosity, stiffness and bioactive factors. Common methods include material extrusion, selective laser sintering, stereolithography and inkjet printing, each offering distinct advantages in resolution, material compatibility and throughput. Hybrid approaches combine multiple modalities—such as extrusion with electrospinning or plasma activation—to introduce nanofibrous networks, surface functionalisation and continuous composition gradients within a single scaffold. These innovations have broadened the scope for engineering complex tissues, from cartilage and bone to vascularised organs. Control over pore size, interconnectivity and mechanical anisotropy enables the design of scaffolds that regulate cell adhesion, proliferation and differentiation. Recent developments in multi-material and surface modification technologies further allow spatially defined bioactivity, supporting region-specific tissue regeneration and enhanced integration with host tissues. As these fabrication platforms mature, they promise to deliver patient-specific implants and accelerate the translation of tissue-engineered constructs to clinical practice.

Research from Nature Portfolio

Recent studies have demonstrated the potential of hybrid additive manufacturing systems to produce scaffolds with both bulk composition gradients and tailored surface chemistries. One platform integrates a dual-material printhead with an atmospheric pressure plasma jet, enabling continuous variation of material composition within thermoplastic frameworks alongside on-the-fly surface activation. This approach yields mechanically graded 3D scaffolds that better mimic native tissue transitions and support spatially controlled cell adhesion. Another investigation explored non-thermal plasma polymerisation techniques to deposit carboxylic acid-rich coatings on polymeric scaffolds. These modified surfaces exhibit enhanced hydrophilicity and stimulate chondrogenesis by promoting glycosaminoglycan deposition and chondroblast migration throughout the architecture, advancing strategies for cartilage repair.

Additive Manufacturing Techniques for Tissue Engineering Scaffolds publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in additive manufacturing techniques for tissue engineering scaffolds across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Additive Manufacturing (AM): Layer-by-layer fabrication of three-dimensional structures from digital designs using techniques such as extrusion, laser sintering and jetting.

Scaffold: A three-dimensional, porous structure designed to support cell attachment, proliferation and tissue formation.

Selective Laser Sintering (SLS): A powder-based technique that uses a laser to selectively fuse material particles into solid structures.

Electrospinning: A process employing an electrical field to draw charged threads of polymer solution into fibres for creating nanofibrous matrices.

Plasma Polymerisation: Deposition of thin films or surface modification layers via plasma-activated monomer species to alter biomaterial surface properties.

References

1. A hybrid additive manufacturing platform to create bulk and surface composition gradients on scaffolds for tissue regeneration. Nature Communications (2021).
2. Acrylic Acid Plasma Coated 3D Scaffolds for Cartilage tissue engineering applications. Scientific Reports (2018).
3. Embedding aligned nanofibrous architectures within 3D-printed polycaprolactone scaffolds for directed cellular infiltration and tissue regeneration. International Journal of Extreme Manufacturing (2023).
4. A review on powder-based additive manufacturing for tissue engineering: selective laser sintering and inkjet 3D printing. Science and Technology of Advanced Materials (2015).
5. Review of additive manufactured tissue engineering scaffolds: relationship between geometry and performance. Burns & Trauma (2018).