Advances in 4D Bio-Printing Technology for Enhanced Drug Delivery Systems

This mini-review covers the premise of how 4D bio-printing constitutes the next step out of the realm of 3D bio-printing by establishing time as a functional dimension. While structures derived from 3D bio-printing are static, 4D-bio-printed structures have time to change shape by responding to a certain external stimulus such as temperature or light. This review of materials and processes for use in 4D bio-printing looks at how this will improve drug delivery systems. With this technology, the systems can now be designed so that they not only administer drugs in a controlled manner but also adjust to meet the needs of the concerned patient. Such adaptability opens avenues for further personalized medicine, whereby treatments are more tailored to the patient's specific needs. Development of complex drug delivery systems - Bio-printing in 4D brings hope to deliver formulations that had been difficult to realize earlier. These include multi-chamber devices or bio-erodible materials that degrade the safety feature once the therapeutic payload has been delivered to the body. Thus, 4D bio-printing offers a possibility for more effective treatments and better health results in defeating some of the potential shortcomings in the traditional drug delivery approaches. The potential this technology brings in terms of versatility towards personalized medicine portends a considerable influence over the future of healthcare through adaptive, patient-specific solutions.