4D printing technology in medical engineering: a narrative review

Abstract The addition of the time dimension to three-dimensional (3D) printing has introduced four-dimensional (4D) technology, which gained considerable attention in different fields such as medical, art, and engineering. Nowadays, bioscience some ideas can be fulfilled by 4D printing. Blending with variations caused situation many beneficial aspects perceptibility adaptability. Since create a dynamic structure stimuli-responsive materials, applications smart stimulus, 3D are effective criteria technology. Smart materials their flexible properties reshape, recolor, or change function under effect internal exterior stimuli. Thus, an attractive prospect medical field is integration approach along materials. This research aims show most recent technology engineering better prospective future. Also, it describes implants, tissue engineering, bioprinting how they being used for applications. In this regard, particular emphasis dedicated latest progress innovation development that activated respond over physical, chemical, biological stimuli exploitation through methods fabrication parts intelligent tissue-engineered scaffolds, orthopedic targeted drug delivery systems. On other hand, major challenges explained suggestions future works address existing limitations. It worth noting despite significant been carried out into printing, might more valuable if investigation done bio-printing will developed.