Polymers, 4D bioprinting and bioinks

An image showing a 3D printed heart

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Use the topic of 4D printing and bioinks to teach students about polymers

The 3D-printed tissues and organs of the future must be able to adapt to the body after transplantation and that change must be engineered somehow. The solution can be found in so-called 4D printing. This activity for ages 16–18 explores the chemistry of some of the polymers used in 3D and 4D printing and links well to their study of natural polymers such a proteins and condensation polymers.

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