Current Developments in Multifunctional Smart Materials for 3D/4D Bioprinting

Highlights • Programmable matter needs to translate its potential to be a disruptive technology via high quality applied research. • The current paradigm needs to be changed from “what can we do with these materials/technologies?” to “how can we move the concept/technology forward to achieve what we need”. • From a clinical point of view physiological and biomechanical constraints based on host tissue environment are not typically considered in smart material design. • Currently the lack of in-depth follow-up studies have resulted in poor clinical translation of smart material concepts. • Global collaborative efforts spur and facilitate development, characterisation and validation of new bioinks. Abstract Tissue engineering and regenerative medicine (TER conclusively the 4D printing can be disruptive, because it has the potential to change the current paradigm by changing the question from “what can we do with these materials/technologies?” to “how can we move the concept/technology forward to achieve what we need”. Keywords 4D Printing; Programmable matter; Gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA); Bioink; Smart materials