Engineering antimicrobial polysaccharide bioinks for 3D bioprinting: strategies for infection control and tissue regeneration

Polysaccharide-based biomaterials have attracted significant attention in 3D bioprinting for tissue engineering due to their excellent biocompatibility, biodegradability, and structural versatility. However, microbial contamination during or after implantation remains a major challenge, limiting their clinical application and emphasizing the need for infection-resistant bioinks. This review highlights recent advances in the development of antimicrobial polysaccharide-based bioinks for 3D bioprinting applications. A comprehensive literature survey was conducted using databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and ScienceDirect, focusing on studies published over the past decade. Key polysaccharides, including chitosan, alginate, hyaluronic acid, and cellulose, are discussed in terms of their intrinsic antimicrobial properties. In addition, various functionalization strategies-such as quaternization, grafting, conjugation, and the incorporation of antimicrobial agents (e.g., peptides, metal ions, nanoparticles, and phytochemicals) are critically evaluated. Furthermore, different bioprinting approaches are examined with respect to printability, mechanical integrity, and biological performance. Overall, polysaccharide-based antimicrobial bioinks offer a promising strategy for developing infection-resistant and regenerative tissue constructs. Future research should focus on improving mechanical strength, ensuring cytocompatibility, and developing smart, stimuli-responsive systems. Addressing translational and regulatory challenges will be crucial for the successful clinical application of antimicrobial 3D bioprinted tissues.