Composite biomaterials for 3D printing in biomedical applications

Introduction: Three-dimensional (3D) printing of composite biomaterials has emerged as a promising approach for developing patient-specific implants, tissue-engineered scaffolds, and other advanced biomedical applications. Materials and methods: This systematic review was reframed in accordance with PRISMA 2020. PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science Core Collection were prespecified information sources for studies published from 2014 to 2026. Eligibility was restricted to original peer-reviewed experimental studies involving additively manufactured composite biomaterials with quantitative characterization and biomedical relevance. The evidence set was reconciled to 50 identifiable primary studies, with a one-to-one study-characteristics map and explicit separation of contextual secondary references from included studies. Results: Polymer, ceramic, metal, and carbon-based composites fabricated using fused deposition modeling (FDM), fused filament fabrication (FFF), stereolithography (SLA), selective laser sintering (SLS), direct ink writing (DIW), digital light processing (DLP), and light-assisted bio printing (LAB) demonstrated distinct advantages for different biomedical applications. Polymer–ceramic composites showed improved mechanical strength and osteoconductivity, while carbon- and metal-based composites enhanced electrical, magnetic, and multifunctional properties for applications such as biosensing, tissue regeneration, and localized drug delivery. However, challenges, including limited long-term in vivo evidence, lack of standardized evaluation protocols, manufacturing complexity, and regulatory barriers, continue to restrict widespread clinical translation. Conclusions: Composite biomaterials combined with advanced 3D printing technologies offer significant potential for personalized medicine and tissue engineering. Future progress will depend on optimizing material selection, standardizing evaluation methods, and improving clinical translation through multifunctional biomaterials and advanced fabrication strategies.