Characteristics and Applications of 3D Printing Biomaterials: Roles of PLA, GelMA, PEGDA, and Elastic Polymers

This paper comprehensively explores the characteristics and applications of biomaterials used in 3D printing, focusing on polylactic acid (PLA), gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA), polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA), and elastic polymers. PLA, with tunable crystallinity, is highly suitable for fabricating artificial blood vessels and supporting diverse tissue regeneration processes. GelMA enhances cell adhesion, while its combination with PEGDA forms hydrogels essential for vascularized bone regeneration. Additionally, elastic polymers provide flexibility and mechanical stability, and multilayered structures incorporating fibrin and iPS cells promote vascular network formation and tissue regeneration. This study reviews the physical properties, biocompatibility, and tissue engineering applications of these biomaterials, highlighting their significance in tissue regeneration.