Exploring 4D Printing Technology for Biomedical Applications
Rajeev Ranjan, Vikas Kumar, Manish Kumar, Balak Das Kurmi, Ravi Raj Pal · Bentham Science Publishers Ltd. · 2026
The editorial argues that adding a time dimension to 3D printing via stimuli-responsive materials enables dynamic, personalized biomedical devices such as adaptive implants and controlled drug-release hydrogel capsules.
Plain English summary
Why this matters
Key findings
- 4D printing adds a time dimension to create dynamic, adaptable biomedical devices.
- Intelligent materials such as shape-memory polymers and hydrogels enable stimulus-responsive behavior (pH, temperature, light).
- Examples of biomedical directions include adaptable tracheal support implants and cancer therapy applications.
- Customized stimuli-responsive hydrogel capsules are described for controlled drug release.
- Key challenges include degradation-rate control, biocompatibility, and optimizing material selection for clinical studies.
Limitations
The abstract is an overview/editorial and does not provide experimental results; it also states challenges (degradation rates, biocompatibility, material selection for clinical studies) without detailing solutions.
Publication
- Publisher
- Bentham Science Publishers Ltd.
- Publication date
- February 20, 2026
- Research type
- Article
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