Advances in Bioinks and 3D Bioprinting for Multitissue Regeneration: From Material Design to Functional Constructs

The field of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine has seen remarkable progress with the advent of 3D bioprinting technologies and the development of advanced bioinks. As researchers strive to replicate the structural and functional complexity of native tissues, significant challenges persist, particularly in recreating the heterogeneous architecture inherent to multitissue systems. Despite recent achievements in designing biomaterials tailored for specific cellular environments, the fabrication of integrated, functional constructs that mimic the properties of multiple tissue types simultaneously remains a critical frontier. Ongoing debates center around the optimal composition, printability, and biocompatibility of bioinks, as well as the integration of vascularization and innervation into engineered tissues.

Recent studies have highlighted the potential of novel bioink formulations, such as hybrid and stimuli-responsive materials, in supporting cell growth, differentiation, and tissue maturation. In parallel, advancements in bioprinting techniques—from extrusion-based to light-assisted systems—have improved the spatial precision and scalability of multitissue constructs. Notable developments include the creation of gradient structures, the use of sacrificial materials for vascular channels, and the incorporation of bioactive cues that guide tissue organization. Nonetheless, fundamental gaps remain in translating these laboratory successes to clinically relevant therapies, particularly with regard to functional integration, long-term stability, and regulatory approval.

This Research Topic aims to explore the latest advancements in the design, characterization, and application of bioinks and 3D bioprinting for multitissue regeneration. It seeks to address key questions such as: Which material properties are most critical for the simultaneous regeneration of multiple tissues? How can bioprinting techniques be optimized to enable complex tissue interfaces and vascularization? What are the barriers to clinical translation, and how can these be overcome? By pooling multidisciplinary perspectives, this topic aspires to foster innovative solutions for engineering functional, clinically applicable, multitissue constructs.

The scope of this Research Topic covers innovative research and reviews addressing the development and use of bioinks and 3D bioprinting for multitissue regeneration, while focusing on translational challenges and emerging strategies. Submissions should primarily address approaches aimed at constructing multitissue or multi-component tissue systems. To gather further insights into these advances, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

- Design and synthesis of novel bioinks for multitissue applications
- Advances in bioprinting methodologies for heterogeneous tissue constructs
- Strategies for vascularization, innervation, and integration of functional tissue interfaces in bioprinted constructs
- In vitro and in vivo evaluation of bioprinted multitissue constructs
- Biomechanical and biological assessment of engineered tissues
- Regulatory, scalability, and translational considerations for clinical application