Next generation engineered tissue constructs with complex and ordered architectures aim to better mimic the native tissue structures, largely due to advances in 3D bioprinting techniques. Extrusion bioprinting has drawn tremendous attention due to its widespread availability, cost‐effectiveness, simplicity, and its facile and rapid processing. However, poor printing resolution and low speed have limited its fidelity and clinical implementation. To circumvent the downsides associated with extrusion printing, microfluidic technologies are increasingly being implemented in 3D bioprinting for engineering living constructs. These technologies enable biofabrication of heterogeneous biomimetic structures made of different types of cells, biomaterials, and biomolecules. Microfluiding bioprinting technology enables highly controlled fabrication of 3D constructs in high resolutions and it has been shown to be useful for building tubular structures and vascularized constructs, which may promote the survival and integration of implanted engineered tissues. Although this field is currently in its early development and the number of bioprinted implants is limited, it is envisioned that it will have a major impact on the production of customized clinical‐grade tissue constructs. Further studies are, however, needed to fully demonstrate the effectiveness of the technology in the lab and its translation to the clinic.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a serious problem that primarily affects younger and middle-aged adults at its onset. To date, no effective regenerative treatment has been developed. Over the last decade, researchers have made significant advances in stem cell technology, biomaterials, nanotechnology, and immune engineering, which may be applied as regenerative therapies for the spinal cord. Although the results of clinical trials using specific cell-based therapies have proven safe, their efficacy has not yet been demonstrated. The pathophysiology of SCI is multifaceted, complex and yet to be fully understood. Thus, combinatorial therapies that simultaneously leverage multiple approaches will likely be required to achieve satisfactory outcomes. Although combinations of biomaterials with pharmacologic agents or cells have been explored, few studies have combined these modalities in a systematic way. For most strategies, clinical translation will be facilitated by the use of minimally invasive therapies, which are the focus of this review. In addition, this review discusses previously explored therapies designed to promote neuroregeneration and neuroprotection after SCI, while highlighting present challenges and future directions. Impact Statement To date there are no effective treatments that can regenerate the spinal cord after injury. Although there have been significant preclinical advances in bioengineering and regenerative medicine over the last decade, these have not translated into effective clinical therapies for spinal cord injury. This review focuses on minimally invasive therapies, providing extensive background as well as updates on recent technological developments and current clinical trials. This review is a comprehensive resource for researchers working towards regenerative therapies for spinal cord injury that will help guide future innovation.