Bio-Inspired 4D Printing: Materials, Mechanisms, and Emerging Applications – A Comprehensive Review

Bio-Inspired 4D Printing: Materials, Mechanisms, and Emerging Applications – A Comprehensive Review | Authorea try { document.documentElement.classList.add('js'); } catch (e) { } var _gaq = _gaq || []; _gaq.push(['_setAccount', 'G-8VDV14Y67G']); _gaq.push(['_trackPageview']); (function() { var ga = document.createElement('script'); ga.type = 'text/javascript'; ga.async = true; ga.src = ('https:' == document.location.protocol ? 'https://ssl' : 'http://www') + '.google-analytics.com/ga.js'; var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(ga, s); })(); Skip to main content Preprints Collections Wiley Open Research IET Open Research Ecological Society of Japan All Collections About About Authorea FAQs Contact Us Quick Search anywhere Search for preprint articles, keywords, etc. Search Search ADVANCED SEARCH SCROLL This is a preprint and has not been peer reviewed. Data may be preliminary. 26 November 2025 V1 Latest version Share on Bio-Inspired 4D Printing: Materials, Mechanisms, and Emerging Applications – A Comprehensive Review Authors : Mohammad Khodabandeh 0009-0001-6262-8093 [email protected] and Naser Kordani Authors Info & Affiliations https://doi.org/10.22541/au.176419318.88774134/v1 195 views 111 downloads Contents Abstract Supplementary Material Information & Authors Metrics & Citations View Options References Figures Tables Media Share Abstract Four-dimensional (4D) printing represents a paradigm shift in additive manufacturing by incorporating time-dependent, stimuli-responsive behavior into fabricated objects. Inspired by adaptive biological systems—including hygroscopic pine cone opening, cephalopod camouflage, and vascular self-healing—bio-inspired 4D printing combines smart materials, programmed anisotropy, and precise fabrication control to produce dynamic, functional structures. This review synthesizes over 140 high-impact studies, covering historical evolution, biomimetic design principles, advanced material platforms, fabrication strategies, computational modeling, crossdisciplinary applications, key challenges, and a detailed 2025–2035 roadmap. Emphasis is placed on biomedical implants, soft robotics, adaptive architecture, and sustainable systems. Despite remarkable progress in multi-material printing and multi-stimuli responsiveness, significant hurdles persist in scalability, long-term stability, and regulatory approval. The integration of artificial intelligence, living bioinks, and autonomous large-scale fabrication is anticipated to drive the next transformative decade. Supplementary Material File (bio_inspration_review.docx) Download 4.49 MB Information & Authors Information Version history V1 Version 1 26 November 2025 Copyright This work is licensed under a Non Exclusive No Reuse License. Keywords 4d printing bio inspired materials smart actuators stimuli responsive polymers Authors Affiliations Mohammad Khodabandeh 0009-0001-6262-8093 [email protected] University of Mazandaran View all articles by this author Naser Kordani University of Mazandaran View all articles by this author Metrics & Citations Metrics Article Usage 195 views 111 downloads .FvxKWukQNSOunydq8rnd { width: 100px; } Citations Download citation Mohammad Khodabandeh, Naser Kordani. Bio-Inspired 4D Printing: Materials, Mechanisms, and Emerging Applications – A Comprehensive Review. Authorea . 26 November 2025. DOI: https://doi.org/10.22541/au.176419318.88774134/v1 If you have the appropriate software installed, you can download article citation data to the citation manager of your choice. Simply select your manager software from the list below and click Download. For more information or tips please see 'Downloading to a citation manager' in the Help menu . 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