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Shape memory materials and 4D printing in pharmaceutics.

Alice Melocchi1, Marco Uboldi1, Matteo Cerea1

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Summary

Shape memory materials (SMMs) are revolutionizing pharmaceuticals through 4D printing. These smart materials enable innovative drug delivery systems (DDSs) that change shape on demand for targeted therapies.

Keywords:
3D printing4D printingControlled releaseDrug delivery systemsShape memory alloysShape memory effectShape memory polymers

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Area of Science:

  • Materials Science
  • Pharmaceutical Technology
  • Biomedical Engineering

Background:

  • Shape memory materials (SMMs), including alloys and polymers, exhibit a unique ability to return to a predetermined shape upon exposure to an external stimulus.
  • The pharmaceutical field is exploring SMMs for novel therapeutic applications due to their responsiveness and programmability.
  • 4D printing, an advanced manufacturing technique, integrates SMMs to create dynamic drug delivery systems (DDSs) with time-dependent shape evolution.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review and classify existing SMM-based drug delivery systems (DDSs) from scientific literature.
  • To analyze the design features and therapeutic targets of these advanced DDSs.
  • To identify innovations and areas for future development in SMM-based DDSs.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of SMM-based DDSs.
  • Classification of DDSs based on shape recovery targets.
  • Detailed analysis of DDS characteristics including administration route, therapeutic goal, shape properties, and triggering stimuli.

Main Results:

  • SMM-based DDSs were categorized based on their shape-recovery-driven therapeutic objectives.
  • Key features such as administration routes, therapeutic goals, shape transformations, and triggering mechanisms were highlighted for each DDS.
  • The review identified diverse applications and innovative approaches in SMM-based drug delivery.

Conclusions:

  • Shape memory materials processed via 4D printing offer significant potential for innovative drug delivery systems.
  • Understanding the classification and features of current SMM-based DDSs is crucial for future advancements.
  • Further research can optimize SMM-based DDSs for enhanced therapeutic efficacy and patient outcomes.