4D Printing in Biomedical Implants and Functional Healthcare Devices
Source abstract
Abstract
Four-dimensional (4D) printing integrates additive manufacturing with stimuli-responsive materials to fabricate biomedical implants and functional healthcare devices that undergo programmed, time-dependent changes in shape or function. Unlike static 3D-printed constructs, 4D-printed systems can respond to clinically relevant stimuli such as temperature, hydration, pH, light (including near-infrared), magnetic fields, or electrical inputs. These triggers drive defined actuation mechanisms, most commonly thermomechanical shape-memory recovery, swelling-induced morphing, and magnetothermal activation. This review synthesizes the principal material platforms used for biomedical 4D printing, including shape-memory polymers and alloys, hydrogels, liquid-crystal elastomers, and responsive composites, and links material choice to device behavior and translational feasibility. Applications are discussed across self-expanding stents, cardiac occluders, tissue-engineered constructs, implantable drug delivery systems, and adaptive wearables. Key translational challenges include sterilization compatibility, manufacturing reproducibility and quality control, safe stimulus delivery, predictable biodegradation and long-term biocompatibility, and regulatory pathway definition.
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Research context
OpenAlex topics: Advanced Materials and Mechanics · 3D Printing in Biomedical Research · Hydrogels: synthesis, properties, applications
SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.
Affiliations
School of Medical Sciences, Shandong Xiehe University, Jinan 250109, China
Laboratory of Bioresources and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Bergen, 5007 Bergen, Norway
References (100+)
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