Abstract
Bone tissue engineering has emerged as a promising strategy to address critical-sized bone defects, with three-dimensional (3D) printing enabling precise fabrication of biodegradable scaffolds that mimic native bone architecture. This review systematically evaluates recent advances in 3D printed biodegradable scaffolds for bone tissue engineering, focusing on material selection, fabrication techniques, mechanical properties, and biological performance. A meta-analysis of 30 studies published between 2010 and 2026 was conducted, extracting data on scaffold porosity, compressive strength, cell viability, and in vivo bone regeneration. Results indicate that composite scaffolds combining polymers (e.g., polycaprolactone, polylactic acid) with ceramics (e.g., hydroxyapatite, tricalcium phosphate) achieve superior mechanical strength (range: 2–45 MPa) and support osteogenic differentiation. Surface modifications, such as mussel-inspired polydopamine coatings and nano-hydroxyapatite deposition, enhance bioactivity. Patient-specific scaffolds demonstrate improved anatomical fit and regeneration in preclinical models. However, challenges remain in balancing degradation rates with new bone formation, achieving vascularization, and translating to clinical applications. This review highlights the potential of 3D printed biodegradable scaffolds as a transformative approach for bone repair and identifies key research directions for future development.