4D hydrogels: fabrication strategies, stimulation mechanisms, and biomedical applications

Abstract

Shape-morphing hydrogels have emerged as a promising biomaterial due to their ability to mimic anisotropic tissue composition by creating an out-of-plane and in-plane gradient due to differences in local swelling...

A 4D printed nanoengineered super bioactive hydrogel scaffold with programmable deformation for potential bifurcated vascular channel construction

“…Among several dynamic 4D materials, hydrogels have recently gained much attention due to their ability to match tissue stiffness, water-imbibing capacity, biocompatibility, and stimuli responsiveness. [9][10][11][12] Despite recent findings, the choice of hydrogels for 4D printing is limited due to their poor printability and shape fidelity. 13 Hydrogels can swell/de-swell in response to moisture, a mild and cytocompatible cue, which makes them an ideal choice for aqueous medium-triggered 4D-printed biomaterials.…”