In this review, we summarize the challenges of the three-dimensional (3D) printing of porous bioceramics and their translational hurdles to clinical applications. The state-of-the-art of the major 3D printing techniques (powder-based and slurry-based), their limitations and key processing parameters are discussed in detail. The significant roadblocks that prevent implementation of 3D printed bioceramics in tissue engineering strategies, and medical applications are outlined, and the future directions where new research may overcome the limitations are proposed. In recent years, there has been an increasing demand for a nanoscale control in 3D fabrication of bioceramic scaffolds via emerging techniques such as digital light processing, two-photon polymerization, or large area maskless photopolymerization. However, these techniques are still in a developmental stage and not capable of fabrication of large-sized bioceramic scaffolds; thus, there is a lack of sufficient data to evaluate their contribution. This review will also not cover polymer matrix composites reinforced with particulate bioceramics, hydrogels reinforced with particulate bioceramics, polymers coated with bioceramics and non-porous bioceramics.

The integration of hierarchical structure, chemistry, and functional activity within tissue‐engineered scaffolds is of great importance in mimicking native bone tissue. Bone is a highly mineralized tissue which forms at ambient conditions by continuous crystallization of the mineral phase within an organic matrix in the presence of bone residing cells. Despite recent advances in the biofabrication of complex engineered tissues, replication of the heterogeneity of bone microenvironments has been a major challenge in constructing biomimetic bone scaffolds. Herein, inspired by the bone biomineralization process, the first example of bone mimicking constructs by 3D writing of a novel apatite‐transforming ink in a supportive microgel matrix with living cells is demonstrated. Using this technique, complex bone‐mimicked constructs are made at room temperature without requiring invasive chemicals, radiation, or postprocessing steps. This study demonstrates that mineralized constructs can be deposited within a high density of stem cells, directing the cellular organization, and promoting osteogenesis in vitro. These findings offer a new strategy for fabrication of bone mimicking constructs for bone tissue regeneration with scope to generate custom bone microenvironments for disease modeling, multicellular delivery, and in vivo bone repair.