3D Printed Porous Scaffold Polymers Based on Polymerization-Induced Phase Separation and Their Applications in Biomedical Fields

The integration of polymerization-induced phase separation (PIPS) with three-dimensional (3D) printing provides a transformative strategy for fabricating porous scaffolds in biomedical applications. Unlike traditional 3D printing, which faces challenges in pore control and material diversity, PIPS enables in situ formation of interconnected networks without sacrificial templates, allowing tunable pore size, distribution, and connectivity across multiple scales. This review introduces the principles of PIPS and its coupling with advanced platforms such as digital light processing (DLP), emphasizing parameters that govern phase separation behavior. It further highlights functional polymer systems, including photosensitive, degradable, conductive, and antimicrobial composites, and analyzes how their compositions influence pore morphology and biological performance. By combining precise structural control with multifunctional materials, PIPS-based 3D printing supports the development of next-generation biomedical scaffolds with enhanced adaptability, biocompatibility, and potential for smart, sustainable designs.