Polyhydroxyalkanoate biopolyesters as extracellular matrix scaffolds by <scp>3D</scp> printing technology

Abstract Microbial polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are biocompatible and biodegradable polyesters synthesized from biomass resources by various microbes in appropriate growth conditions as intracellular energy storage. PHAs have great biocompatibility, low immunological response, bioresorption, non‐toxic degradation products and possibly resilient cell adhesion properties. Their mechanical characteristics can be modified to fit numerous tissues ranging from very soft (skin) to hard (bone). Multiple approaches have been used to create well‐defined architectures with the best characteristics for processing as medical devices and biomedical application tools. The implementation of PHAs into medical devices as new functional materials with advanced 3D printing techniques has been described. Additionally, new challenges in improving PHA‐based bioinks for creating scaffolds with enhanced biodegradation control suitable for tissue regeneration are also elucidated in this review. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.