Next-Generation Bioceramics: Advances in 3D-Printed Scaffolds for Bone Regeneration

The field of bone tissue engineering has rapidly evolved, with bioceramics playing a central role in supporting bone repair and regeneration. Traditional bioceramic implants, while biocompatible and osteoconductive, often lack the structural complexity and mechanical properties necessary to fully mimic native bone architecture. Recent advances in additive manufacturing have enabled the fabrication of 3D-printed bioceramic scaffolds with precise geometries, interconnected porosity, and tailored compositions. These innovations allow for improved cell attachment, vascularisation, and integration with host tissue. As a result, 3D-printed bioceramic scaffolds are emerging as promising candidates for next-generation bone graft substitutes. This Research Topic seeks to highlight new developments in this area, emphasizing material design, fabrication strategies, biological performance, and potential for clinical translation.Despite remarkable progress, several challenges remain in the development of 3D-printed bioceramic scaffolds for clinical bone regeneration. Key limitations in designing an appropriate scaffold architecture include achieving adequate mechanical strength, ensuring controlled degradation, and promoting vascular ingrowth, and remodelling. Moreover, integrating bioceramics with bioactive agents, polymers, or living cells requires refined strategies to balance structural stability and biological function. This Research Topic aims to address these challenges by bringing together investigations into novel bioceramic compositions, advanced printing technologies, surface modification approaches, and scaffold functionalization. Emerging trends such as multi-material printing, biomimetic architectures, and hybrid composite scaffolds provide exciting opportunities to enhance bone regeneration outcomes. By consolidating research insights from materials science, biomedical engineering, and regenerative medicine, this topic seeks to accelerate the translation of 3D-printed bioceramic scaffolds from the laboratory to clinical application, ultimately contributing to improved patient care in orthopaedics and dentistry.Addressing recent advances in 3D-printed bioceramic scaffolds for bone regeneration, contributions may include, but are not limited to: novel bioceramic compositions; additive manufacturing techniques; scaffold design and modelling; mechanical and biological characterisation; incorporation of cells, growth factors, or biologically active molecules; hybrid or composite scaffold systems; in vitro and in vivo performance; and translational or clinical considerations. Studies that integrate interdisciplinary approaches or demonstrate application-focussed innovation are particularly encouraged. Work may range from fundamental material development to preclinical evaluation, provided it contributes to the advancement of next-generation bioceramic scaffolds for regenerative bone therapies.• Original research articles• Reviews• Mini-reviews• Perspective articles Topic editors: Furqan A Shah, Joanna P. Czechowska, Marcel F. Kunrath Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/75669/next-generation-bioceramics-advances-in-3d-printed-scaffolds-for-bone-regeneration