| Abstract Scope |
4D printing is able to manufacture structures that dynamically respond to external stimuli such as pH, light, temperature, water, magnetic field and chemicals. From the translational medicine aspect of 4D printing, selecting materials is crucial due to biocompatibility concerns. Here, we report a natural protein from maize that can be prepared as gel in a simple, repeatable method, and the gel not only can be used directly as the 3D printing ink, but also showed water-sensitive shape change with time due to its unique hydrophobic property. Tri-segment conduit and butterfly-shaped construct with two asymmetrical wings are printed using this system to evaluate biomedical function either as a nerve conduit or as a drug delivery system. Adjustable drug loading, drug release rate and degradation rate can be achieved with this technique. Overall, this study extends the concept of 4D printing beyond shape transformation. |