3D Printing Chitosan-based Nanobiomaterials for Biomedicine and Drug Delivery: Recent Advances on the Promising Bioactive Agents and Technologies

Abstract

Abstract: 3D bioprinting is a novel technology that has gained significant attention recently due to its potential applications in developing simultaneously controlled drug delivery systems (DDSs) for administering several active substances, such as growth factors, proteins, and drug molecules. This technology provides high reproducibility and precise control over the fabricated constructs in an automated way. Chitosan is a natural-derived polysaccharide from chitin, found in the exoskeletons of crustaceans such as shrimp and crabs. Chitosan-based implants can be prepared using 3D bioprinting technology by depositing successive layers of chitosan-based bioink containing living cells and other biomaterials. The resulting implants can be designed to release drugs at a controlled rate over an extended period. The use of chitosan-based implants for drug delivery has several advantages over conventional drug delivery systems. Chitosan is biodegradable and biocompatible, so it can be safely used in vivo without causing any adverse effects. It is also non-immunogenic, meaning it does not elicit an immune response when implanted in vivo. Chitosan-based implants are also cost-effective and can be prepared using simple techniques. 3D bioprinting is an emerging technology that has revolutionized the field of tissue engineering by enabling the fabrication of complex 3D structures with high precision and accuracy. It involves using computer-aided design (CAD) software to create a digital model of the desired structure, which is then translated into a physical object using a 3D printer. The printer deposits successive layers of bioink, which contains living cells and other biomaterials, to create a 3D structure that mimics the native tissue. One of the most promising applications of 3D bioprinting is developing drug delivery systems (DDSs) to administer several active substances, such as growth factors, proteins, and drug molecules. DDSs are designed to release drugs at a controlled rate over an extended period, which can improve therapeutic efficacy and reduce side effects. Chitosan-based implants have emerged as a promising candidate for DDSs due to their attractive properties, such as biodegradability, biocompatibility, low cost, and non-immunogenicity. 3D bioprinting technology has emerged as a powerful tool for developing simultaneously controlled DDSs for administering several active substances. The rationale behind integrating 3D printing technology with chitosan-based scaffolds for drug delivery lies in the ability to produce customized, biocompatible, and precisely designed systems that enable targeted and controlled drug release. This novel methodology shows potential for advancing individualized healthcare, regenerative treatments, and the creation of cutting-edge drug delivery systems. This review highlights the potential applications of 3D bioprinting technology for preparing chitosan-based implants for drug delivery.