4D printed shape memory polymers and their structures for biomedical applications

Abstract

Shape memory polymers are smart materials that produce shape changes under external stimulus conditions. Four-dimensional (4D) printing is a comprehensive technology originate from deformable materials and three-dimensional (3D) printing technology. At present, 4D printed shape memory polymers and shape-changing structures have been applied in various fields, especially in the field of biomedical science. 4D printing technology has made a breakthrough of personalized customization in the traditional medical field, providing a new direction for the further development of the biomedical field. In this review, the recent research and development of shape memory polymer, 3D printing technology, 4D printed shape memory polymers and shape-changing structures in biomedical area are present. The examples and applications of 4D printed shape memory polymers and their structures in the area of biomedical are also introduced. Based on 4D printing, stimulated by different conditions, 3D printed objects can be fabricated into various biomedical applications such as cell scaffolds, vascular stents, bone scaffolds, tracheal stents and cardiac stents by different 3D printing techniques. Finally, the application prospects, existing technical restriction and future development directions of 4D printed shape memory polymers and their structures in the biomedical field are summarized.