3D Bioprinting in Conjunction with Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells for the Treatment of Bone Defects

Clinical management of bone defects remains a challenge. Currently, the principal therapeutic option is autologous or synthetic bone grafting. However, bone grafting is not widely used clinically due to the complications of autologous bone extraction and the unavailability and high cost of artificial bone sources. Recent breakthroughs in collecting, extracting, and controlling bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) have increased researchers’ interest. BMSCs may grow into osteoblasts and chondrocytes without rejection or ethical problems. When paired with 3D bioprinting technology, BMSCs allow precise and controlled healing of bone defects, establishing it as a revolutionary repair procedure with tremendous promise and applicability. This chapter discusses the biological features of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells, osteogenic induction, and the therapy of bone abnormalities using carrier scaffolds, which will serve as a theoretical framework for future clinical treatment of bone defects.