Additive Manufacturing of Bioceramic Scaffolds for Bone Tissue Regeneration with Emphasis on Stereolithographic Processing

Advanced bone tissue engineering approaches rely on implanting synthetic grafts for the management of mid to large bone defects in order to overcome the common limitations associated with the use of transplant materials. Bioceramics are especially effective due to their versatile functional properties and processing methods. This chapter provides a picture of ceramic scaffolds for bone tissue engineering, focusing on additive manufacturing technologies and, specifically, the emerging method of digital light processing. The functional and structural complexity of natural bone makes the design of scaffolds a complex challenge as their chemical, structural and functional properties have to meet very specific requirements, e.g. adequate support properties, bone-bonding capability and a macro- and microporous structure to promote cell colonization and vascularization. Many fabrication techniques are currently available for the production of porous artificial biomaterials. Among them, the class of additive manufacturing technologies is one of the most promising methods for the development of mechanically competent and structurally highly defined scaffolds with tailored properties for bone tissue engineering applications.