The Lack of Success of Cell-Based Bone Tissue Engineering

. Cell-based bone tissue engineering has not been effective due to challenges in controlling the differentiation and proliferation of progenitor cells, while also needing to maintain cell health. Additionally, the fabrication of complex architectures is time consuming and expensive. An alternative material-based technology that can be used instead of cell-based approaches is 3D printing. 3D printing allows for the fabrication of bone scaffolds with high precision and reproducibility, while also having a fast production process. Additionally, material properties of the scaffold can be easily manipulated to provide different functional properties such as increased strength and porosity. 3D printed scaffolds can also be combined with bioactive agents to improve cell adhesion, viability, and proliferation.