3D printed nanocomposites for tailored cardiovascular tissue constructs: A minireview

Abstract

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) with escalating death rates pose one of the greatest threats to global health and well-being. Thus, developing effective interventions to combat CVD are of critical importance. 3D printing fabrication of engineered cardiovascular constructs with complex, hierarchical structures is capable of producing personalized structures. Mechanical stability and biological controllability are two important requirements that need fulfilling for cardiovascular applications. These often cannot be fulfilled using a single component material. Hence, composites having multiple constituents are desirable to satisfy the range of requirements for precision clinical embodiments. This review critically evaluates the fabrication of 3D printed nanocomposites to satisfy the functionalities of complex vascular structures. Specifically, pre as well as post-printing assessment approaches are presented with guidelines and future prospects for tailored cardiovascular constructs as effective interventions for CVD.