Chitosan and its derivatives in 3D/4D (bio) printing for tissue engineering and drug delivery applications

Tissue engineering research has undergone to a revolutionary improvement, thanks to technological advancements, such as the introduction of bioprinting technologies. The ability to develop suitable customized biomaterial inks/bioinks, with excellent printability and ability to promote cell proliferation and function, has a deep impact on such improvements. In this context, printing inks based on chitosan and its derivatives have been instrumental. Thus, the current review aims at providing a comprehensive overview on chitosan-based materials as suitable inks for 3D/4D (bio)printing and their applicability in creating advanced drug delivery platforms and tissue engineered constructs. Furthermore, relevant strategies to improve the mechanical and biological performances of this biomaterial are also highlighted.

Automated summary

Tissue engineering research has been greatly improved by the introduction of bioprinting technologies, which allow the development of customized biomaterial inks with excellent printability and cell-promoting abilities. This review focuses on chitosan-based materials as suitable inks for 3D/4D bioprinting, and their applications in drug delivery platforms and tissue engineering constructs. Strategies to enhance the mechanical and biological performances of chitosan biomaterials are also highlighted.