Fabrication of 3D microstructured scaffolds by direct laser writing in pre-polymers and their performance in cartilage regeneration in vitro and in vivo

Direct laser writing in pre-polymers (DLW-PP) employing ultrashort pulses is a well-established technique for creating 3D microstructured scaffolds for in vitro tissue-engineering studies [1]. This is predetermined by the wide range of processable materials, full control of the 3D microarchitecture, scaling flexibility, and other characteristics. Despite all that, demonstrations of in vivo capabilities of DLW-PP manufactured scaffolds are still very scarce [2, 3]. This is mainly due to the point-by-point fabrication nature resulting in a relatively long manufacturing time of one structure, specifically if millimeter-sized objects which could be conveniently handled by a surgeon are needed. However, a growing interest in the development of this technique, especially for tissue engineering applications, suggests that it might one day become a commonly used method for the creation of patient-specific macro-scale microstructured scaffolds.