Transformative bioprinting: 4D printing and its role in the evolution of engineering and personalized medicine
Mathur V., Agarwal P., Kasturi M., Varadharajan S., Devi ES., Vasanthan KS.
Narrative Review, published in Discov Nano (2025) — summary generated from the PubMed abstract.
Evidence from laboratory and animal studies provides groundwork for understanding mechanisms and potential before human studies continue.
- Level A · Stronger Clinical Evidence
- Level B · Emerging clinical evidence with positive signals
- Level C · Early human research exploring benefits
- Level D · Scientific groundwork from lab and animal studies
- Emerging · Emerging topic under active research
This page is generated from the PubMed record. The Thai description is an automated summary of bibliographic fields and the abstract, not a full translation, and is not medical advice.
- Study type
- Narrative Review
- Journal
- Discov Nano (2025)
- Reported sample size
- —
- Source database
- Europe PMC
- PMID
- 40699389
- PMCID
- PMC12287505
- DOI
- 10.1186/s11671-025-04230-w
- Citations
- 4
Abstract (original English)
Transformative bioprinting, particularly 4D printing, is revolutionizing the field of biofabrication, offering dynamic solutions that respond to external stimuli. This paper explores the underlying mechanisms, materials, and stimuli that enable 4D printing to fabricate responsive and adaptive constructs. Section 1 delves into the foundational aspects of 4D bioprinting, detailing the stimuli-responsive materials, such as hydrogels and shape-memory polymers, and the mechanisms that drive their transformation. Additionally, the role of external factors, including temperature, pH, and magnetic or light-based stimuli, is analyzed to provide a comprehensive understanding of this evolving technology. Section 2 focuses on the diverse applications of 4D bioprinting, particularly in biomedical sciences. Key use cases include tissue engineering, drug delivery systems, and the creation of adaptive implants. Beyond healthcare, the potential for smart structures in fields like robotics and aerospace is highlighted, showcasing the technology's ability to deliver tailored, dynamic solutions across various domains. Section 3 categorizes additive manufacturing techniques relevant to 4D printing, offering an in-depth classification and comparison. This includes extrusion-based, vat polymerization, and inkjet printing technologies, emphasizing their compatibility with stimuli-responsive materials.
What this study does not prove
- • This study does not prove SVF is an approved treatment or a replacement for standard care.
- • This is a narrative review: it collects no new patient data and does not systematically appraise evidence quality.
Evidence level
Evidence from laboratory and animal studies provides groundwork for understanding mechanisms and potential before human studies continue.
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