Benefits of 3D and 4D printing in recent biomedical applications: a review of rapid advances in additive manufacturing

Purpose This review aims to provide a comprehensive assessment of the major benefits of 3D and 4D printing technologies in biomedical applications. It highlights their growing influence on personalized medicine, prosthetics, orthopedics, pharmaceuticals and cardiovascular treatments, while clarifying the practical, economic and societal implications of these emerging technologies. Design/methodology/approach Recent developments in additive manufacturing from 2018 to 2025 were analyzed through a critical and comparative review of scientific literature and industrial advancements. The methodology focuses on identifying key innovations, evaluating their clinical relevance and examining implementation challenges related to materials, biocompatibility and regulatory compliance. Findings The review demonstrates that 3D and 4D printing significantly enhance treatment efficiency, enable patient-specific customization and improve clinical outcomes through advanced materials and adaptive functionalities. Notable examples include self-expanding hydrogel stents, smart bone implants, biodegradable programmable sutures, shape-changing scaffolds and stimuli-responsive drug delivery systems. Remaining obstacles include material limitations, biocompatibility concerns and stringent regulations surrounding bio printing. Originality/value This paper provides an updated synthesis covering the most recent decade of progress, integrating advances not addressed in earlier reviews. Its unique contribution lies in emphasizing both the technological innovations and their practical translation into clinical contexts, demonstrating the transformative potential of 3D/4D printing for future healthcare solutions.