Structural Functions of 3D-Printed Polymer Scaffolds in Regulating Cell Fates and Behaviors for Repairing Bone and Nerve Injuries.

ABSTRACT

Tissue repair and regeneration, such as bone and nerve restoration, face significant challenges due to strict regulations within the immune microenvironment, stem cell differentiation, and key cell behaviors. The development of 3D scaffolds is identified as a promising approach to address these issues via the efficiently structural regulations on cell fates and behaviors. In particular, 3D-printed polymer scaffolds with diverse micro-/nanostructures offer a great potential for mimicking the structures of tissue. Consequently, they are foreseen as promissing pathways for regulating cell fates, including cell phenotype, differentiation of stem cells, as well as the migration and the proliferation of key cells, thereby facilitating tissue repairs and regenerations. Herein, the roles of structural functions of 3D-printed polymer scaffolds in regulating the fates and behaviors of numerous cells related to tissue repair and regeneration, along with their specific influences are highlighted. Additionally, the challenges and outlooks associated with 3D-printed polymer scaffolds with various structures for modulating cell fates are also discussed.