3D Printing of Hydrogels

Abstract

Three-dimensional (3D) printing is an additive manufacturing technique that has revolutionized prototyping and materials science by generating objects with extraordinarily complex geometries. One of the most promising materials are the soft, solvent-hydrated polymeric networks called hydrogels due to their similarity to biological tissues; furthermore, they are potentially printable. This chapter describes the basic concepts of 3D printing and the different types of polymers used, focusing on hydrogels. Then, the characteristics of hydrogel printing and the analytical quality parameters are detailed. Finally, the most recent scientific advances, the applications of printed hydrogels, and the future perspectives for the coming years with the growth of this technology are thoroughly analyzed.