Additive Manufacturing of Smart and Multifunctional Biomaterials for Diverse Biomedical Applications

Additive manufacturing (3D printing) has catalyzed a paradigm shift in biomedical engineering, transitioning from conventional fabrication to the precision manufacturing of patient-specific implants and complex biomimetic microenvironments. However, as clinical requirements evolve, the biomedical field is placing greater demands on these fabricated constructs. Modern implants and scaffolds must go beyond serving as static physical supports; they are expected to be dynamic, interacting intricately with the human body. This has driven the development of advanced biomaterials, including stimuli-responsive polymers, bioactive ceramics, functionalized metals, and dynamic hydrogels, capable of multifunctional integration and smart responses (4D printing) over time.Despite significant technological leaps, integrating complex hierarchical structures (such as Triply Periodic Minimal Surfaces) with multifaceted functionalities, including simultaneous mechanical support, tunable degradation, infection control, anti-tumor therapy, and rapid osteogenesis/tissue regeneration, remains a formidable challenge. The primary goal of this Research Topic is to gather cutting-edge advancements addressing these challenges. By exploring the synergy between innovative materials science and advanced biomanufacturing techniques (such as vat photopolymerization, extrusion bioprinting, and powder bed fusion), we aim to highlight how smart and multifunctional printable biomaterials can overcome current clinical limitations and pave the way for next-generation personalized medicine and regenerative therapies.This Research Topic offers a comprehensive platform for the latest discoveries in 3D/4D printable biomaterials and their diverse applications. We welcome Original Research, Review, Mini Review, Perspective, and Brief Research Report articles. Specific themes of interest include, but are not limited to:• Smart and 4D-Printable Biomaterials: Development of shape-memory, photothermal, and stimuli-responsive printable materials.• Multifunctional Scaffolds and Implants: Design of biomaterials with dual or multiple therapeutic effects (e.g., synergistic antibacterial, anti-tumor, and tissue regenerative properties).• Advanced Bioinks: Synthesis, rheological optimization, and application of novel bioinks for living cell bioprinting.• Biomimetic Design and Simulation: Optimization of porous structures (e.g., TPMS), microstructural regulation, and computational modeling of 3D-printed constructs.• Diverse Biomedical Translations: Applications of advanced printed biomaterials across orthopedics, dentistry, cardiovascular repair, neural engineering, and soft tissue regeneration.(Note: For Original Research articles, stating the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) at the end of the manuscript is highly recommended.) Topic editors: Wang Guo, Dietmar Werner Hutmacher, Wei Zhao, Mao Mao, Annan Chen Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/86295/additive-manufacturing-of-smart-and-multifunctional-biomaterials-for-diverse-biomedical-applications