3D Printing Chitosan-based Nanobiomaterials for Biomedicine and Drug Delivery:
Recent Advances on the Promising Bioactive Agents and Technologies
Authors: Naghib Seyed Morteza , Zarrineh Morteza , Moepubi Mohammad Reza 
Published: March 2024

3D bioprinting is a novel technology that has gained significant attention recently
due to its potential applications in developing simultaneously controlled drug delivery
systems (DDSs) for administering several active substances, such as growth factors,
proteins, and drug molecules. This technology provides high reproducibility and precise
control over the fabricated constructs in an automated way. Chitosan is a natural-derived
polysaccharide from chitin, found in the exoskeletons of crustaceans such as shrimp and
crabs. Chitosan-based implants can be prepared using 3D bioprinting technology by depositing
successive layers of chitosan-based bioink containing living cells and other biomaterials.
The resulting implants can be designed to release drugs at a controlled rate over
an extended period. The use of chitosan-based implants for drug delivery has several advantages
over conventional drug delivery systems. Chitosan is biodegradable and biocompatible, so it can be
safely used in vivo without causing any adverse effects. It is also non-immunogenic, meaning it does not elicit
an immune response when implanted in vivo. Chitosan-based implants are also cost-effective and can be prepared
using simple techniques. 3D bioprinting is an emerging technology that has revolutionized the field of
tissue engineering by enabling the fabrication of complex 3D structures with high precision and accuracy. It
involves using computer-aided design (CAD) software to create a digital model of the desired structure, which
is then translated into a physical object using a 3D printer. The printer deposits successive layers of bioink,
which contains living cells and other biomaterials, to create a 3D structure that mimics the native tissue. One
of the most promising applications of 3D bioprinting is developing drug delivery systems (DDSs) to administer
several active substances, such as growth factors, proteins, and drug molecules. DDSs are designed to release
drugs at a controlled rate over an extended period, which can improve therapeutic efficacy and reduce
side effects. Chitosan-based implants have emerged as a promising candidate for DDSs due to their attractive
properties, such as biodegradability, biocompatibility, low cost, and non-immunogenicity. 3D bioprinting
technology has emerged as a powerful tool for developing simultaneously controlled DDSs for administering
several active substances. The rationale behind integrating 3D printing technology with chitosan-based scaffolds
for drug delivery lies in the ability to produce customized, biocompatible, and precisely designed systems
that enable targeted and controlled drug release. This novel methodology shows potential for advancing
individualized healthcare, regenerative treatments, and the creation of cutting-edge drug delivery systems.
This review highlights the potential applications of 3D bioprinting technology for preparing chitosan-based
implants for drug delivery.