Over the past two decades, a number of fabrication methods, including 3D printing and bioprinting, have emerged as promising technologies to bioengineer nerve conduits that closely replicate features of the native peripheral nerve, with the aim of augmenting or supplanting autologous nerve grafts. 3D printing and bioprinting offer the added advantage of rapidly creating composite peripheral nerve matrices from micron-scaled units, using an assortment of synthetic, natural and biologic materials. In this review, we explore the evolution of automated 3D manufacturing technologies for the development of peripheral nerve conduits and discuss aspects of conduit design, based on microarchitecture, material selection, cell and protein inclusion, and mechanical properties, as they are adaptable to 3D printing. Additionally, we highlight advancements in the application of bio-imaging modalities toward the fabrication of patient-specific nerve conduits. Lastly, we outline regulatory as well as clinical challenges that must be surmounted for the translation of 3D printing and bioprinting technology to the clinic. As a whole, this review addresses topics that may situate 3D manufacturing at the forefront of fabrication technologies that are exploited for the generation of future revolutionary therapies like in-situ printing of peripheral nerves.

在过去的二十年中，包括3D打印和生物打印在内的许多制造方法已成为有前途的技术，可用于生物工程神经导管，以紧密复制天然周围神经的特征，目的是增强或替代自体神经移植物。3D打印和生物打印的另一项优势是，可以使用多种合成，天然和生物材料，从微米级单位快速创建复合的周围神经矩阵。在这篇综述中，我们探索了用于周围神经导管开发的自动化3D制造技术的发展，并讨论了基于微体系结构，材料选择，细胞和蛋白质包涵体以及机械特性的导管设计方面，因为它们适用于3D打印。此外，我们重点介绍了生物成像方法在制造患者专用神经导管中的应用进展。最后，我们概述了将3D打印和生物打印技术转换到临床时必须克服的监管和临床挑战。总体而言，本篇综述探讨的主题可能将3D制造置于制造技术的最前沿，而这些制造技术被用于产生未来的革命性疗法，例如原位打印周围神经。