Bioprinting, an innovative combination of biotechnology and additive manufacturing, has emerged as a transformative technology in healthcare, enabling the fabrication of functional tissues, organs, and patient-specific implants. The implementation of the aforementioned, however, introduces unique intellectual property (IP) challenges that extend beyond conventional biotechnology. The study explores three critical areas of concern: IP protection for bioprinting hardware and bioinks, ownership and ethical management of digital files derived from biological data, and the implications of commercializing bioprinted tissues and organs. Employing a multidisciplinary approach, the paper analyzes existing IP frameworks, highlights their limitations when applied to bioprinting, and examines ethical dilemmas, such as ownership of bioprinted human tissues and the commodification of biological innovations. Findings suggest that current IP laws inadequately address the complexities of bioprinting, particularly in managing the intersection of proprietary technologies and ethical considerations. The study underscores the need for adaptive legal and ethical frameworks to balance innovation with equitable access and sustainability. Recommendations include the development of tailored IP policies for bioprinting and enhanced international collaboration to harmonize legal protections across jurisdictions. This work aims to provide a comprehensive foundation for stakeholders to navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of bioprinting IP.

The digitization of ancient artifacts and the fabrication of sustainable 3D-printed replicas present a promising solution for enhancing the accessibility to cultural heritage sites for visitors with disabilities. This article focuses on the case study of the Piraeus Archaeological Museum. The study investigates the process of digitizing a selection of ancient artifacts from the museum’s collection and utilizing 3D printing technology to produce tactile replicas from recycled Polylactic Acid (PLA) material that provide a multisensory experience for individuals with disabilities like vision impairment. The research examines the technical challenges and considerations faced by the authors’ team during the 3D scanning process of the artifacts, the manufacturing of raw material from 3D printing waste, as well as the optimization of 3D printing parameters to ensure the creation of high-quality 3D-printed replicas. Furthermore, the article points out the positive future impact that the 3D-printed replicas will have on the engagement and comprehension of vision-impaired visitors, highlighting the potential of this approach in promoting inclusivity and fostering a connection with cultural heritage.

This study explores the use of advanced 3D imaging and printing technologies to digitally document and physically replicate cultural artifacts from the Archaeological Museum of Alexandroupolis. By employing structured light scanning and additive manufacturing techniques, detailed digital models and precise physical replicas of two significant artifacts were created—a humanoid ceramic vessel and a glass cup. A handheld 3D scanner was utilized for capturing intricate surface details, with post-processing methods to refine and colorize the digital models. Regarding 3D printing, both Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) and Stereolithography (SLA) were employed, tailored to the artifacts’ unique requirements for resolution and material properties. This dual approach supports heritage preservation by generating tangible educational resources and providing alternative exhibits to safeguard original artifacts. Our results demonstrate that integrating 3D scanning and printing effectively enhances the accessibility, durability, and educational utility of cultural heritage assets, offering a sustainable model for artifact preservation and study.

Three-dimensional scanning, additive manufacturing, and extended reality are now widely used in digital heritage, but they are often discussed as separate technical tools rather than as parts of a user-facing workflow. This review approaches them from the standpoint of user experience, asking how digital capture, model preparation, physical replication, immersive interpretation, and hybrid access affect the way heritage content is understood, used, and trusted. The paper develops a critical narrative discussion of recent work and design practices, without adopting a systematic review protocol. Particular attention is given to educational use, museum interpretation, accessibility, tactile interaction, XR navigation, perceived authenticity, and the evaluation of user experience. The discussion indicates that UX is shaped before the final interface appears: incomplete capture, opaque model editing, poorly readable replicas, or confusing XR layers can all weaken the cultural value of an otherwise advanced system. Recurring barriers include technical complexity, interoperability problems, limited staff training, institutional constraints, accessibility gaps, and uncertainty around automated reconstruction. The review argues that automated digital heritage workflows should be planned as human-centered systems, where efficiency is balanced with usability, inclusion, transparent interpretation, and user-based evaluation.

Everyday heritage objects are often overlooked despite their cultural significance and vulnerability to surface degradation caused by environmental exposure, material ageing, and human interaction. This review examines how surface characterization, digital documentation, additive manufacturing, and extended reality (XR) technologies can be integrated to support the conservation, replication, and inclusive dissemination of such assets. The study synthesizes recent advances in non-destructive surface analysis methods, including spectroscopic and imaging techniques, alongside 3D scanning approaches capable of capturing both geometry and surface condition. These data are linked to additive manufacturing workflows for producing accurate and durable replicas, with particular attention to surface fidelity and material selection. The review further explores how tactile replicas and multimodal interpretation strategies can enhance accessibility for visually impaired users, addressing limitations of visually dominant heritage practices. XR technologies are discussed as complementary tools for interpretation and remote access. The findings highlight that combining surface-focused conservation with digital and fabrication technologies enables more resilient, accessible, and sustainable heritage management. Future research should focus on standardizing inclusive design approaches and improving the integration of surface data into digital and physical reproduction pipelines.