Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research ›› 2026, Vol. 30 ›› Issue (32): 8555-8562.doi: 10.12307/2026.452

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4D bioprinting for regenerative medicine: a new strategy for intelligent material regulation and tissue regeneration

Liao Meixi1, Wang Zhenxing2, Lu Lili1   

  1. 1Department of Medicine, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430065, Hubei Province, China; 2Department of Plastic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, Hubei Province, China
  • Accepted:2026-01-29 Online:2026-11-18 Published:2026-04-29
  • Contact: Lu Lili, PhD, Professor, Department of Medicine, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430065, Hubei Province, China
  • About author:Liao Meixi, Department of Medicine, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430065, Hubei Province, China

Abstract: BACKGROUND: 4D printing enables dynamic control of structure and function, allowing constructs to more closely mimic complex physiological environments and driving the development of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine towards intelligence and personalization.
OBJECTIVE: To review the role and application advances of 4D printing in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
METHODS: Relevant literature published between 1994 and 2025 was retrieved from CNKI, WanFang, PubMed, and Web of Science. Chinese and English terms were “4D printing, regenerative medicine, tissue engineering, wound healing, biological ink, intelligent materials.” A total of 115 articles were systematically reviewed and analyzed. 
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: 4D bioprinting represents a key advance in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, integrating diverse fabrication methods and biomaterials to create structures that dynamically respond to environmental cues. 4D bioprinting enhances the biomimicry of natural tissues, enables customized responsiveness, and improves integration with biological systems. 4D bioprinting facilitates the development of tissues and organs, as well as intelligent implants and advanced drug delivery systems, thereby supporting tissue repair. By adapting seamlessly to physiological complexity, 4D bioprinting contributes to personalized medicine and significantly improves therapeutic outcomes under dynamic conditions.


Key words: 4D bioprinting, regenerative medicine, tissue engineering, wound healing, bioink, smart materials

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