A research team at the University of Galway has created a new way to 4D bioprint tissues that can change shape in a controlled way—just like real tissues do as they form.

For example, a 4D printed intestinal stent was designed to be triggered by near-body temperature, allowing the stent to adjust its shape in direct response to the patient’s internal temperature. 3 ...

Han, D., et al. (2020) 4D Printing of a Bioinspired Microneedle Array with Backward‐Facing Barbs for Enhanced Tissue Adhesion. Advanced Functional Materials. doi.org/10.1002/adfm.201909197.

Using a new technique known as 4D printing, researchers can print out dynamic 3D structures capable of changing their shapes over time. Such 4D-printed items could one day be used in everything ...

Scientists at Harvard University created a new 4D printing method— where their prints actually shift shape. The transformation happens when these structures are submerged in water.

By mimicking the way orchids, calla lilies and other plants bend and twist, scientists have created shape-shifting "4D-printed" structures that they say could one day help heal wounds and be used ...

While part of this shape change is down to the materials used, the rest is thanks to the way that the printer has been programmed to print this structure. The precise pattern of printing allows ...

The 4D material changes shape in response to water. The grey side of the material in the image absorbs water faster than the blue side, causing it to bend into a "C" shape.

4D bioprinting of shape-morphing tissues within granular support hydrogels. (CREDIT: Advanced Functional Materials) One of the most powerful parts of the study was the ability to program movement.