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Towards 4D printing in pharmaceutics.

Andrea Gazzaniga1, Anastasia Foppoli1, Matteo Cerea1

  • 1Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Sezione di Tecnologia e Legislazione Farmaceutiche "M.E. Sangalli", Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano 20133, Italy.

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Summary

Four-dimensional printing (4DP) uses smart materials to create objects that change shape over time when exposed to stimuli. This innovative technology moves beyond static 3D printing for dynamic applications.

Keywords:
3D printing4D printingDelivery systemsDrug releaseHydrogelsShape memory polymersSmart materials

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Area of Science:

  • Materials Science
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Additive Manufacturing

Background:

  • Four-dimensional printing (4DP) builds upon three-dimensional printing (3DP) by incorporating time as a fourth dimension.
  • It utilizes smart materials that can alter their shape post-production in response to external stimuli like temperature, pH, or moisture.
  • The concept of shape evolution in smart structures predates 3DP and has been applied to drug delivery systems.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the emerging field of 4DP and its applications.
  • To highlight the use of smart materials in creating dynamic, programmable objects.
  • To focus on biomedical applications, including drug delivery and indwelling devices.

Main Methods:

  • Combining smart materials, such as shape memory polymers (SMPs) and shape morphing hydrogels (SMHs), with additive manufacturing techniques.
  • Exploring the use of various stimuli (moisture, electric/magnetic fields, UV, temperature, pH, ion composition) to trigger shape changes.
  • Reviewing existing literature and examples of 4DP systems.

Main Results:

  • 4DP enables the creation of complex, non-static objects that can transform after printing.
  • SMPs and SMHs are key materials enabling shape morphing capabilities.
  • Successful examples exist for biomedical applications like stents, scaffolds, and drug delivery devices.

Conclusions:

  • 4DP represents a significant advancement over traditional 3DP, offering dynamic functionalities.
  • The technology holds great promise for sophisticated biomedical devices, particularly for internal retention applications.
  • Further research in smart materials and 4DP processes will expand its potential.