Design-encoded dual shape-morphing and shape-memory in 4D printed polymer parts toward cellularized vascular grafts

Abstract

Current additive manufacturing technologies wherein as-printed simple two-dimensional (2D) structures morph into complex tissue mimetic three-dimensional (3D) shapes are limited to multi-material hydrogel systems, which necessitate multiple fabrication steps and...

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

“…Self-folding polymers can sometimes create blood vessels, which can then be organized into multilayered tubelike structures encapsulated with various cell types. 120,121 Several recent studies have reported a 4D fabrication strategy to produce these intricate designs, 122,170 also allowing the synthetic cardiovascular stent to be delivered and performed at the site in a minimally invasive manner. In most investigations, the shape-morphing feature is attempted to be achieved under physiological conditions.…”