4D bioprinting could unlock the next generation of tissue engineering

A new bioink is being utilized to 4D-bioprint tissue that has the potential to mimic the self-healing properties of naturally occurring tissues in the body. Engineers from the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC, IL, USA) have developed a new bioink that can adapt to various physiological conditions. This creates the potential for producing 4D-printed tissue that better mimics the body’s natural response to external stimuli, allowing scientists to conduct more accurate studies. Although 3D bioprinting has made significant advances over recent years, an area that needs further development is the ability of bioprinted tissues to react to external stimuli, know...