Gelatin Methacryloyl Bioscaffolds: A Viable Option for Alveolar Bone Tissue Engineering?

The concept of tissue engineering involves the deposition of cells on bioscaffolds in a particular location that ultimately leads to regeneration of tissues. The combinatorial effect of cells, bioscaffolds and molecular signaling factors, works conjunctly to provide exact microenvironment mimicking the native in vivo system. Alveolar bone regeneration due to its location, poses certain challenges where appropriate mechanical loading and microbial flora need addressing during construction of the scaffold [1]. Three dimensional (3D) bioprinting has unfolded vast possibilities for bone regeneration through fabrication of 3D constructs that support adhesion and proliferation of pleuripotent stem cells in desired location. 3D printing allows individual-specific construction of scaffolds of a certain shape and size that allow regeneration of bone through cellular proliferation, differentiation, and molecular-signalling pathways in a guided fashion.