Trends in 4D Printed Shape Memory Biomaterials for Tissue Engineering Applications

Shape memory polymers and stimuli-sensitive materials are utilised in 4D printing to develop tissue structures that are dynamic and flexible. The capability of these polymers to react to numerous stimuli like pH, light, and temperature increases the adaptability and usefulness of tissue engineering applications. The article aims at the application of smart SMPs in 4D printing for tissue engineering, emphasising their response to diverse physical and chemical stimuli. The current review article compiled data from previously reported studies by searching in commonly used electronic databases such as Scopus, Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, etc. The authors have preferably considered the data from the last 10 years for inclusion. The study addresses developments in smart shape memory polymers and their transformational influence on biological applications. The integrated approach of 4D printing and shape memory biomaterials can potentially improve tissue engineering applications. Researchers can enhance tissue regeneration by utilising the responsive properties of these materials to physiological signals. This allows for the design of dynamic scaffolds that closely imitate the behaviour of real tissue, resulting in more efficient tissue regeneration. 4D-printed shape memory biomaterials have the potential to enhance tissue engineering via the use of dynamic and adaptable scaffolds. However, some obstacles must be overcome, such as material limitations and the capacity to scale up production, to achieve successful clinical implementation.