Hydrogels for additive manufacturing in scaffolding applications: A review

In this scientific era, the preparation of functional structures (scaffolds, implants, and organs) requires innovative processes as well as innovative materials. Additive manufacturing is among innovative processes which are the need of the hour to manufacture complex to complex structures, especially in biomedical scaffolds preparations. Also, biomaterials are among those innovative and functional materials that have been considered as innovative functional materials. Hydrogels in different forms are crucial materials for the fabrication of scaffolds by additive manufacturing processes in the repair of tissues. In this study, a detailed scenario of hydrogels has been presented for additive manufacturing process applications in biomedical scaffolding preparations. The study highlights a state-of-the-art review for additive manufacturing of biomedical scaffolding of hydrogels classified based upon the method of preparation, physical properties, source, ionic charge, biodegradability, cross-linking, and effect of the stimulus. In addition, this study details an innovative processing route for the preparation of Drosophila-chitosan-mimetic hydrogel for scaffolds applications.