With 3D Printing already into use in every sector, researchers are now experimenting 4D Printing that involves 3D-printing items that are designed to change shape after they are printed. Lewis and team, Harvard University, have evolved 3D-printed structures made of stiff cellulose fibers embedded in a soft hydrogel, whose orientation can be controlled after they swell up on immersing in water.

Headed by Dr. Michael Chae, a plastic surgery resident and PhD candidate at the Melbourne, Australia-based Monash University, the research team disclosed how 4D computed tomography (CT) scans of the bones of a patient’s hand could be used to create 4D models. These models, printed by Cube 2 desktop 3D printer, were able to accurately replicate hand movement during thumb abduction, opposition, and key pinch, giving surgeons vital information about a patient’s specific physiology.

A group of Portugese Researchers are working towards 4D Bioprinting in Regenerative medicine and ultimately pave the path for bioprinting human tissues for medical uses. With 3D Printing enhanced with 4^th dimension, the researchers point out the potential to have greater control over size, shape and interconnectivity. Through 4D Bioprinting, researchers will be able to morph bioinks into viable cells and tissues without the boundaries of nature, however, this is yet to be explored in terms of temperature, peripheral chemicals, stress and UV light exposure, and ofcourse, the nature itself.