Four dimensional printing in healthcare

Abstract

Three-dimensional (3D) printing technology is a powerful manufacturing tool with applications in various fields including healthcare sector. The four dimension (4D) printing technology, is latest innovation in 3D printing sector. 4D printing technology overcomes the static behavior of a 3D printed object and forces a response from a 3D printed object upon internal or external stimuli such as pH, magnetic field and light present in the environment. 4D printed objects are capable of changing their shapes or functions with time upon the response to external stimuli. The responsive nature of a 4D printed object exhibits applications in various fields including healthcare. In this chapter, we introduce 4D printing and 4D bioprinting technology with some examples exhibiting potential future applications in healthcare. © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.