Three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting is a novel technique applied to manufacture semisolid or solid objects via deposition of successive thin layers. The widespread implementation of the 3D bioprinting technology encouraged scientists to evaluate its feasibility for applications in human regenerative medicine. 3D bioprinting gained much interest as a new strategy to prepare implantable 3D tissues or organs, tissue and organ evaluation models to test drugs, and cell/material interaction systems. The present work summarizes recent and relevant progress based on the use of hydrogels for the technology of 3D bioprinting and their emerging biomedical applications. An overview of different 3D printing techniques in addition to the nature and properties of bioinks used will be described with a focus on hydrogels as suitable bioinks for 3D printing. A comprehensive overview of triblock copolymers with emphasis on Pluronic F127 (PF127) as a bioink in 3D printing for regenerative medicine will be provided. Several biomedical applications of PF127 in tissue engineering, particularly in bone and cartilage regeneration and in vascular reconstruction, will be also discussed. Impact statement The current review highlights the use of three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting for regenerative medicine, stressing the manipulation of hydrogels as the most commonly used bioinks. The advantages and shortcomings of using hydrogels for 3D printing procedures are discussed with a particular focus on triblock copolymers and Pluronics. A brief overview of applying bioink Pluronic F127 in applications of 3D bioprinting for tissue reconstruction is also provided.
Keywords: 3D printing; Pluronic F127; hydrogels; regenerative medicine; tissue reconstruction.