Chapter 15 - 3D and 4D printing of biomaterials and biocomposites, bioinspired composites, and related transformers

Abstract

The advent of additive manufacturing (AM) or 3D printing as a tool for producing multifunctional and multimaterial objects has inspired great interest from the scientific community in various engineering and biomedical fields. This chapter will explore the recent developments in biomaterials and their composites for use in 3D and 4D printing. The expanding library of bioinks, ranging from synthetic polymers to ceramics to living cells, is discussed and their deposition via a number of AM processes, including stereolithography (SLA), extrusion printing, inkjet printing, and selective laser sintering, described. Furthermore, 4D printing is introduced as an emerging technology where time is integrated within the printing process, allowing objects to change their shape or function in response to external stimuli. Finally, the novel applications of the complex bioconstructs produced are examined with emphasis on the advantages or disadvantages of this emerging technology.