3D Printed and Bioprinted Membranes and Scaffolds for the Periodontal Tissue Regeneration: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Numerous technologies and materials were developed with the aim of repairing and reconstructing the tissue loss in patients with periodontitis. Periodontal guided bone regeneration (GBR) and guided tissue regeneration (GTR) involves the use of a membrane which prevents epithelial cell migration, and helps to maintain the space, creating a protected area in which tissue regeneration is favored. Over the time, manufacturing procedures of such barrier membranes followed important improvements. Three-dimensional (3D) printing technology has led to major innovations in periodontal regeneration methods, using technologies such as inkjet printing, light-assisted 3D printing or micro-extrusion. Besides the 3D printing of monophasic and multi-phasic scaffolds, bioprinting and tissue engineering have emerged as innovative technologies which can change the way we see GTR and GBR.

Co-Culture of Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Ligamentocytes on Triphasic Embroidered Poly(L-lactide-co-ε-caprolactone) and Polylactic Acid Scaffolds for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Enthesis Tissue Engineering

“…In the past few years, new approaches and techniques, such as modification of decellularized native enthesis tissue, silk [ 51 , 52 , 53 ] or polymer based scaffolds [ 25 , 54 ], have been investigated for their reconstruction capabilities for the complete enthesis zone and not only the ligament zone of the ACL, the patellar tendon or the rotator cuff [ 25 , 51 , 52 , 53 ]. The importance of creating multiphasic scaffolds for musculoskeletal interface tissue engineering to achieve functional restoration of injured zonal tissues has increased in past years not only in orthopedics but also in dentistry [ 55 , 56 , 57 , 58 ]. Another method involves the use of embroidery technology that enables the fabrication of complex structures whose morphological and mechanical properties can be specifically adjusted according to pattern designs.…”

Biomimicry and 3D-Printing of Mussel Adhesive Proteins for Regeneration of the Periodontium—A Review

“…Although 3D printing has become very useful in creating complex scaffold shapes, they are not without their limitations ( Table 2 ). Some of these limitations of 3D-printed scaffolds include potential internal scaffold defects, dimensional inaccuracies, poor mechanical properties, printing speed, post-print processing, and cost [ 44 , 45 ]. The importance of maintaining the scaffold’s internal structure is vital for its biological capabilities; therefore, certain parameters are required to allow for the most dimensionally accurate 3D-printed scaffold model, relative to any given defect.…”

3D-Printed Chitosan-Based Scaffolds with Scutellariae baicalensis Extract for Dental Applications

“…Consequently, the implantation of endosseous implants and scaffolds has transformed contemporary dentistry, as more and more patients seek periodontal therapy using this approach. The scaffolds must have architecture and motifs that can promote the cell attachment and the growth of local stem cells and or/osteoprogenitor cells [ 5 ].…”

“…Moreover, the used biomaterials for the manufacturing of the scaffolds must be specific for the application as well as be in balance with the surrounding environment to guarantee that the damaged area is replaced with a functional, healthy tissue that is similar to the original one and does not produce healing scars [ 9 ]. The use of such a dressing is possible at every stage of periodontal treatment, from surface application to treat local inflammation, to placement directly in the gingival pocket, where it can have antimicrobial effects to remove biofilm, to the previously mentioned inflammation-relieving effects, and finally to regeneration of bone defects [ 5 ]. Although 3D-printing technology contributes significantly to regenerative dentistry and to periodontal treatment, it presents several disadvantages.…”