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Advances and Future Perspectives in 4D Bioprinting
Nureddin Ashammakhi1,2,3, Samad Ahadian1,2, Fan Zengjie1,2,4
1Center for Minimally Invasive Therapeutics (C-MIT), University of California - Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
Biotechnology Journal
|September 18, 2018
Summary
Four-dimensional (4D) bioprinting creates dynamic tissue constructs that change shape over time. This emerging technology utilizes stimuli-responsive biomaterials and mathematical modeling for applications in tissue engineering and beyond.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Tissue Engineering
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Traditional 3D printed constructs are static and fail to mimic the dynamic nature of living tissues.
- Four-dimensional (4D) bioprinting introduces time-dependent shape changes into printed structures.
- This dynamic capability is crucial for fabricating functional tissue replacements and advanced biomedical devices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the potential of stimuli-responsive biomaterials as bioinks for 4D bioprinting.
- To discuss the incorporation of natural cell forces into 4D bioprinted constructs.
- To review the mathematical modeling approaches for predicting 4D construct behavior and outline future perspectives.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing stimuli-responsive biomaterials and/or cells to achieve programmed conformational changes in printed constructs.
- Incorporating natural cell forces to influence the dynamic behavior of 4D bioprinted tissues.
- Employing mathematical modeling to predict the transition dynamics and final configurations of 4D printed structures.
Main Results:
- Stimuli-responsive biomaterials offer a viable route for creating dynamic 4D bioprinted constructs.
- Natural cell forces can be integrated to enhance the complexity and functionality of 4D tissues.
- Mathematical models provide a predictive framework for designing and controlling the shape-morphing capabilities of 4D constructs.
Conclusions:
- 4D bioprinting represents a significant advancement over static 3D printing, enabling the creation of dynamic, shape-changing tissue constructs.
- The technology holds promise for diverse applications, including bioactuation, biorobotics, and biosensing, extending beyond traditional tissue engineering.
- Further development in stimuli-responsive materials, cell integration, and predictive modeling will drive the future of 4D bioprinting in biomedicine.
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