4D direct ink writing of body temperature-responsive triple-shape memory scaffolds for bone tissue engineering.

Sabahi, N; Roohani, I; Kilian, KA; Wang, CH; Li, X

4D direct ink writing of body temperature-responsive triple-shape memory scaffolds for bone tissue engineering.

Sabahi, N Roohani, I

Kilian, KA Wang, CH Li, X

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Publisher:: IOP Publishing Ltd
Publication Type:: Journal Article
Citation:: Biofabrication, 2026, 18, (3)
Issue Date:: 2026-07-27

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Field	Value	Language
dc.contributor.author	Sabahi, N
dc.contributor.author	Roohani, I https://orcid.org/0009-0000-3678-3455
dc.contributor.author	Kilian, KA
dc.contributor.author	Wang, CH
dc.contributor.author	Li, X
dc.date.accessioned	2026-10-28T04:56:50Z
dc.date.available	2026-07-14
dc.date.available	2026-10-28T04:56:50Z
dc.date.issued	2026-07-27
dc.identifier.citation	Biofabrication, 2026, 18, (3)
dc.identifier.issn	1758-5082
dc.identifier.issn	1758-5090
dc.identifier.uri	http://hdl.handle.net/10453/197276
dc.description.abstract	Four dimensional printing of shape memory polymers (SMPs) holds significant promise for addressing irregular bone defects. The incorporation of SMPs with the ability to adopt multiple shapes greatly enhances the performance of 4D-printed scaffolds. These smart scaffolds not only provide crucial structural support but also actively interact with cells to promote and enhance regenerative processes. In this study, we successfully developed novel triple-SMPs with two distinct transition temperatures (Tg= 34 °C andTm= 56 °C). By melt blending biocompatible thermoplastics, including polycaprolactone, thermoplastic polyurethane, and Poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), at different weight ratios, we achieved over 90% shape recovery ratios during two sequential recovery processes. Shape memory tests revealed that the weight ratio of PLGA in the polymer composition influenced the shape fixity and shape recovery of programmed structures at body temperature. Subsequently, the developed SMPs were utilized for 4D direct ink writing printing of smart bone scaffolds. The SMPs exhibited excellent printability, enabling successful printing at 220 °C and 200 kPa, resulting in 3D-printed scaffolds with uniform and interconnected pore distribution, ensuring structural integrity. Furthermore, the 4D-printed scaffolds demonstrated outstanding degradability, biocompatibility, and mechanical properties comparable to human trabecular bone. This work presents a robust and feasible approach for 4D printing of triple-shape memory bone scaffolds, offering a promising solution for complex irregular bone defects.
dc.format	Electronic
dc.language	eng
dc.publisher	IOP Publishing Ltd
dc.relation.ispartof	Biofabrication
dc.relation.isbasedon	10.1088/1758-5090/ae8a85
dc.rights	info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess
dc.subject	0903 Biomedical Engineering, 1004 Medical Biotechnology, 1099 Other Technology
dc.subject.classification	3206 Medical biotechnology
dc.subject.classification	4003 Biomedical engineering
dc.subject.mesh	Tissue Scaffolds
dc.subject.mesh	Tissue Engineering
dc.subject.mesh	Printing, Three-Dimensional
dc.subject.mesh	Ink
dc.subject.mesh	Bone and Bones
dc.subject.mesh	Body Temperature
dc.subject.mesh	Animals
dc.subject.mesh	Humans
dc.subject.mesh	Biocompatible Materials
dc.subject.mesh	Bone and Bones
dc.subject.mesh	Animals
dc.subject.mesh	Humans
dc.subject.mesh	Biocompatible Materials
dc.subject.mesh	Body Temperature
dc.subject.mesh	Tissue Engineering
dc.subject.mesh	Ink
dc.subject.mesh	Tissue Scaffolds
dc.subject.mesh	Printing, Three-Dimensional
dc.subject.mesh	Tissue Scaffolds
dc.subject.mesh	Tissue Engineering
dc.subject.mesh	Printing, Three-Dimensional
dc.subject.mesh	Ink
dc.subject.mesh	Bone and Bones
dc.subject.mesh	Body Temperature
dc.subject.mesh	Animals
dc.subject.mesh	Humans
dc.subject.mesh	Biocompatible Materials
dc.title	4D direct ink writing of body temperature-responsive triple-shape memory scaffolds for bone tissue engineering.
dc.type	Journal Article
utslib.citation.volume	18
utslib.location.activity	England
utslib.for	0903 Biomedical Engineering
utslib.for	1004 Medical Biotechnology
utslib.for	1099 Other Technology
pubs.organisational-group	University of Technology Sydney
pubs.organisational-group	University of Technology Sydney/Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology
pubs.organisational-group	University of Technology Sydney/Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology/School of Electrical, Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering
utslib.copyright.status	open_access	*
dc.rights.license	This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0). To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
dc.date.updated	2026-10-28T04:56:33Z
pubs.issue	3
pubs.publication-status	Published online
pubs.volume	18
utslib.citation.issue	3

Abstract:

Four dimensional printing of shape memory polymers (SMPs) holds significant promise for addressing irregular bone defects. The incorporation of SMPs with the ability to adopt multiple shapes greatly enhances the performance of 4D-printed scaffolds. These smart scaffolds not only provide crucial structural support but also actively interact with cells to promote and enhance regenerative processes. In this study, we successfully developed novel triple-SMPs with two distinct transition temperatures (Tg= 34 °C andTm= 56 °C). By melt blending biocompatible thermoplastics, including polycaprolactone, thermoplastic polyurethane, and Poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), at different weight ratios, we achieved over 90% shape recovery ratios during two sequential recovery processes. Shape memory tests revealed that the weight ratio of PLGA in the polymer composition influenced the shape fixity and shape recovery of programmed structures at body temperature. Subsequently, the developed SMPs were utilized for 4D direct ink writing printing of smart bone scaffolds. The SMPs exhibited excellent printability, enabling successful printing at 220 °C and 200 kPa, resulting in 3D-printed scaffolds with uniform and interconnected pore distribution, ensuring structural integrity. Furthermore, the 4D-printed scaffolds demonstrated outstanding degradability, biocompatibility, and mechanical properties comparable to human trabecular bone. This work presents a robust and feasible approach for 4D printing of triple-shape memory bone scaffolds, offering a promising solution for complex irregular bone defects.

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http://hdl.handle.net/10453/197276