Recent Advances in 4D Bioprinting. Issue 1 (20th September 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Yang, Qingzhen; Gao, Bin; Xu, Feng
• Is Part Of: Biotechnology journal. Volume 15:Issue 1(2020)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2019-09-20
• Subjects: biofabrication -- printing -- responsive materials -- self‐folding -- smart materials; Biotechnology -- Periodicals; 660.605
• DOI: 10.1002/biot.201900086
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1860-6768

Abstract

Abstract: 4D bioprinting has emerged as a powerful technique where the fourth dimension "time" is incorporated with 3D bioprinting. In this technique, the printed bioconstructs are able to change their shapes or functionalities when triggered by either internal or external stimuli. In 4D bioprinting, the materials with/without cells enable the spatial–temporal control of the shape and/or functionality of the constructs. Using this method, researchers have printed bioconstructs that can transform into rather complex structures which are difficult to obtain directly by 3D bioprinting or other methods. Although the history of 4D bioprinting is short, rapid progress in this field is witnessed recently, with focus mainly on developing novel 4D printable materials, exploring novel methods to precisely control the process, and pursuing biomedical applications. To better understand this technique, the recent advances of 4D bioprinting, including the mechanism, structure design principles, applications in biomedical engineering, and also the facing challenges are reviewed. Abstract : In four dimensional bioprinting, the printed objects are able to change their shapes or functionalities when triggered by stimuli. Using this method, researchers have fabricated bioconstructs that can transform into rather complex shapes. To better understand this technique, the recent advances of 4D bioprinting are reviewed, including the mechanism, design principles, biomedical applications, and also the facing challenges.