PVA-based bioinks for 3D bioprinting: A comprehensive review of their applications in tissue engineering

3D bioprinting is an innovative approach that overcomes the limitations of traditional methods for creating cell-laden biomaterials and constructs. It allows for the fabrication of complex and biologically active tissue structures. This review aims to provide a comprehensive evaluation of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-based bioinks within a 3D bioprinting framework. PVA-based bioinks exhibit remarkable properties, such as biocompatibility, biodegradability, and the ability to enhance cell growth and differentiation. These properties make them appropriate for many tissue engineering applications. The study evaluates the physicochemical and biological properties of PVA bioinks, including how they combine with other materials such as gelatin, chitin, chitosan, alginate, agarose, cellulose, κ-carrageenan, methacrylate, nanoparticles, mineral additives, carbon nanotubes, graphene oxide, and extracellular matrix components. Furthermore, this review evaluates the benefits of market availability and enhanced printing resolution, in addition to the challenges posed by complexity, dependency on support baths, and the risk of contamination. The objective of this review is to draw attention to the capabilities of PVA-based bioinks and provide guidelines for future research to improve the effectiveness of these materials in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.