Microfluidics and 3D printed scaffolds for periodontal regeneration: A comprehensive review

Periodontal regeneration aims to restore the structural and functional properties of periodontal tissues, which are often lost or diminished due to infection, inflammation, age, and other factors. Traditional approaches, while effective, often face limitations such as uncertain outcomes and limited capacity for precise tissue regeneration. This review explores the transformative potential of microfluidics and 3D printing used in periodontal regeneration. Microfluidics and 3D printed scaffolds, allow for precise control over architecture and functionalities at the microscale environment. Both the techniques offer significant advantages, including enhanced mimicking of natural extracellular matrix structures, improved cell adhesion and proliferation, and the ability to incorporate bioactive molecules and growth factors. This review critically examines the anatomy of periodontium, periodontal diseases, periodontal regeneration and their limitations, tissue engineering, bioprinting/3D printing scaffold in periodontal regeneration. Moreover, we emphasize microfluidics in periodontal cell patterning, regeneration, microfluidics in dentistry, additive manufacturing and cell sheet technology in periodontal regeneration. In addition, we elaborate the current challenges and future prospects for integrating these techniques into routine clinical practice. Harnessing the capabilities of microfluidics and 3D printed scaffolds provides a promising pathway towards more predictable and effective periodontal regeneration strategies.