Additive manufacturing (AM), also referred to as three-dimensional printing/printed (3DP), has emerged as a transformative approach in the current design and manufacturing of various biomaterials for the restoration of damaged tissues inside the body. This advancement has greatly aided the development of customized biomedical devices including implants, prosthetics, and orthotics that are specific to the patients. In tissue engineering (TE), AM enables the fabrication of complex structures that promote desirable cellular responses in the regeneration of tissues. Since the choice of biomaterials plays a vital role in scaffold performance as well as cellular responses, meticulous material selection is essential in optimizing the functionality of scaffolds. These scaffolds often possess certain characteristics such as biodegradability, biocompatibility, biomimicry, and porous structure. To this end, polymers such as chitosan, collagen, alginate, hyaluronic acid, polyglycolic acid, polylactic acid, and polycaprolactone have been extensively investigated in the fabrication of tissue-engineered scaffolds. Furthermore, combinations of biomaterials are also utilized to further enhance the scaffolds’ performance and functionality. This review discusses the principle of AM and explores recent advancements in AM technologies in the development of TE and regenerative medicine. In addition, the applications of 3DP, polymer-based scaffolds will be highlighted.

Poor vascularization is one of the basic obstacles to the regeneration of functioning tissues because an oxygen diffusion process and elimination of wastes are essential in preserving the grafts. Recently, biomaterials have allowed the invention of bioinspired polymer scaffolds and replicated the natural extracellular matrix (ECM) due to the mechanical tunability of the synthetic polymers with the biological signals of natural macromolecules. The review uses a mechanistic analysis of the strategies to improve angiogenesis by using surface topography modification, bioactive peptide incorporation and pre-vascularization. Another way to achieve complex, perfusable topologies is by using more sophisticated methods of fabrication, such as electrospinning, 3D/4D bioprinting, or microfluidics. Based on in vitro and in vivo results, we determine angiogenic effectiveness by using cellular assays and animal transfers, pointing towards the translational advances in patents and clinical uses of bone, cardiac, nervous, and skin tissues. In spite of the substantial improvements, large-scale production and high demands of the regulations still exist. The future directions include the incorporation of bioinspired designs and intelligent materials, nanotechnology, and AI-based optimization into developing patient-specific and adaptive scaffolds. The following innovations herald the advent of highly effective constructs that can be used to regenerate tissue and overcome the limitations of present tissue engineering therapies through the introduction of highly effective, vascularized constructs.

3D printing, a newer manufacturing technology, is gaining prominence in the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors, particularly ENT implants. It enables the production of customized biological tissue scaffolds, portable models, and surgical training aids. The emergence of 4D printing offers the potential for enhancing ENT therapy safety and efficacy. The manuscript explores the potential of 3D printing to revolutionize pharmaceutical and clinical practice, enabling the development of personalized drug formulations, patient-centric implants, and anatomical models. This review delves into the emerging concept of “smart” biomaterials used in 4D printing, which are capable of mimicking natural tissues and responding to external stimuli. This paves the way for significant advancements in ENT tissue engineering with the potential to increase treatment safety and efficacy. This highlights the importance of healthcare staff in translating 3D printing innovations into clinical practice for successful adoption. The manuscript highlights the transformative impact of 3D printing in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries. 3D printing and bioprinting technologies are revolutionizing ENT therapy, offering novel avenues for improved patient care and fostering advancements in the healthcare field.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a persistent, relapsing skin inflammatory disorder characterised by epidermal barrier dysfunction, immune system anomalies, and microbial dysbiosis. Current therapies encompass calcineurin inhibitors, topical corticosteroids, and synthetic drugs such as JAK inhibitors and biologics, which, despite their efficacy, have safety issues and constraints on prolonged use. Recently, natural bioactive compounds namely flavonoids, polyphenols, and terpenoids have garnered interest for their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and skin-barrier-repairing characteristics. Recent studies emphasise the incorporation of these bioactive compounds into hydrophilic/hydrophobic polymeric conjugates and nanocarrier systems to promote skin distribution, increase efficacy, and minimise systemic adverse effects. This study encapsulates traditional and innovative medicines, highlights the promise of polymer-conjugated herbal formulations, and examines recent developments in nanotechnology and delivery technologies for AD management. The increasing interest in bioactive ingredient formulations and polymeric nanocarriers indicates a favourable shift towards safer, more effective, and patient-compliant treatment methodologies. Graphical Abstract

Organ failure remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide, posing a formidable challenge for healthcare systems. Conventional organ transplants are limited by the scarcity of donors and the risks associated with immune rejection. In response, 3D bioprinting has emerged as a revolutionary approach with the potential to fabricate tailor-made, patient-specific organs. Central to this technology is the use of bioinks-smart materials that ensure structural integrity, biocompatibility, and the functional performance of printed organs. This review delves into the latest advancements in 3D bioprinting, specifically targeting the heart and cardiac tissues, such as heart valves and entire hearts. It evaluates the capabilities of various bioprinting techniques in creating intricate tissue structures using patient-specific cells, while also addressing the potential for bioprinting to transform the landscape of organ transplantation. Furthermore, the review explores the essential properties of bioinks, the selection of cell sources, and the current progress in clinical trials and patents, offering insights into the future prospects and challenges of cardiac tissue bioprinting. This comprehensive assessment underscores the promise of bioprinting in overcoming the limitations of traditional transplants and advancing personalized medicine.