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Bone tissue engineering (BTE) is in active search of the ideal scaffold to give a clinical solution for bone regeneration in non-union fractures. During the last decades, the use of additive manufacturing (AM), and, in particular, melt extrusion AM (ME-AM), has been investigated towards this aim. ME-AM enables the fabrication of personalized 3D scaffolds, with a controlled and highly interconnected porosity, through the solvent-free processing of biodegradable and mechanically robust polymers. In addition to these properties matching the requirements for BTE scaffolds, the polymers used to fabricate these constructs are also more amenable for further functionalization than metals or ceramics, to influence cell behaviour, making thermoplastic materials a preferred choice for BTE. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of various ME-AM scaffolds developed for BTE, along with approaches used to augment their bioactivity, which includes architectural, surface physical and chemical modifications, the incorporation of secondary fibrous or hydrogel networks within the scaffold pores, and the use of composites for ME-AM scaffold fabrication.

Tissue engineering or tissue reconstruction/repair/regeneration may be considered as a guiding strategy in oral and maxillofacial surgery, as well as in endodontics, orthodontics, periodontics, and daily clinical practice. A wide range of techniques has been developed over the past years, from tissue grafts to the more recent and innovative regenerative procedures. Continuous research in the field of natural and artificial materials and biomaterials, as well as in advanced scaffold design strategies has been carried out. The focus has also been on various growth factors involved in dental tissue repair or reconstruction. Benefiting from the recent literature, this review paper illustrates current innovative strategies and technological approaches in oral and maxillofacial tissue engineering, trying to offer some information regarding the available scientific data and practical applications. After introducing tissue engineering aspects, an overview on additive manufacturing technologies will be provided, with a focus on the applications of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles in the biomedical field. The potential applications of magnetic fields and magnetic devices on the acceleration of orthodontic tooth movement will be analysed.

Light-activated resins and composites are used in conjunction with a light curing unit and allow an on-demand process of polymerization. These kinds of materials usually represent the most popular choice in the restorative dental practice. Some works have already highlighted contemporary tendencies in the use of nondegradable scaffolds and mesenchymal stem cells in regenerative medicine. Accordingly, the aim of the current research is to develop 3D porous and light-activated composite structures with optimized functional properties. Preliminary mechanical and biological tests are carried out.

Additive manufacturing technologies allow for the direct fabrication of 3D scaffolds with improved properties for tissue regeneration. In this scenario, design strategies and 3D fiber deposition technique are considered to develop advanced scaffolds with different lay-down patterns, tailored mechanical and biological properties. 3D poly(?-caprolactone) scaffolds are manufactured and surface-modified (i.e., aminolysis). The effect of surface modification on the mechanical and biological performances of the designed 3D scaffolds is assessed.

3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing technologies represent powerful tools for the direct fabrication of lightweight structures with improved and tunable properties. In current research, Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)/3D fiber deposition technique was considered to design 3D multifunctional scaffolds with complex morphology, tailored biological, mechanical and mass transport properties. Polymeric and nanocomposite materials were used for scaffold design and optimization, with a particular focus on bone tissue engineering. As an example, poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL), and PCL-based nanocomposite scaffolds were fabricated and analyzed. The effects of structural and morphological features (i.e., sequence of stacking, fiber spacing, pore size and geometry) as well as of nanoparticle inclusion on the mechanical performances were reported. Furthermore, the possibility to design 3D customized scaffolds for mandibular defect regeneration (i.e., symphysis and ramus) was also considered.

Additive manufacturing represents a powerful tool for the direct fabrication of lightweight and porous structures with tuneable properties. In this study, a fused deposition modelling/3D fibre deposition technique was considered for designing 3D nanocomposite scaffolds with specific architectures and tailored biological, mechanical, and mass transport properties. 3D poly(caprolactone) (PCL)/hydroxyapatite (HA) nanocomposite scaffolds were designed for bone tissue engineering. An optimisation design strategy for the additive manufacturing processes based on extrusion/injection methods was at first extended to the development of the PCL/HA scaffolds. Further insight into the effect of the process parameters on the mechanical properties and morphological features of the nanocomposite scaffolds was provided. The nanocomposite structures were analysed at different levels, and the possibility of designing 3D customised scaffolds for mandibular defect regeneration (i.e., symphysis and ramus) was also reported.