4D printing: the next dimension in healthcare?

An image showing a 3D printed heart

Source: © Shutterstock

Use this novel concept to teach students about natural polymers, programmable materials and chemistry in medicine

You have probably heard of 3D printing – but what about printing in four dimensions? Both techniques are increasingly being used in the healthcare industry. This article explores what the innovation of 4D printing means for the future of healthcare, including a worksheet for 16–18 for students to explore the natural polymers involved in bioprinting.

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