Advanced 3D and 4D Printing of Biomaterials: Design, Processing, and Biological Performance

Additive manufacturing is a key enabling technology in biomaterials science, enabling the fabrication of complex, patient-specific structures from metallic, polymer, ceramic and, where relevant, composite biomaterials. Advanced 3D and emerging 4D printing techniques offer new opportunities to engineer implants and biomedical devices with controlled architecture, functional performance, and tailored biological response. However, successful clinical translation requires a clear understanding of the relationships among processing, structure, and biological response.This Research Topic aims to collect high-quality contributions on the design, processing, and application of metallic, ceramic, and composite biomaterials produced using 3D and 4D printing technologies. Topics of interest include bioresorbable and permanent metals and polymers, bioactive ceramics, ceramic matrix composites, and hybrid biomaterial systems for biomedical applications.Particular emphasis is placed on studies that link printing parameters and structural features to in-vitro and in-vivo performance, including cell–material interactions, osseointegration, angiogenesis, biodegradation, and immune response. Contributions employing advanced characterization techniques such as µ-CT, mechanical testing under physiological conditions, and biological assays are strongly encouraged.The scope also includes surface modification and coating strategies applied specifically to 3D- and 4D-printed metallic and ceramic biomaterials to enhance bioactivity, antibacterial properties, corrosion resistance, and long-term implant stability. Studies on stimuli-responsive materials for 4D printing and data-driven approaches supporting biomaterial optimization are also welcome.By integrating additive manufacturing, biomaterials design, surface engineering, and biological evaluation, this Research Topic seeks to advance next-generation additively manufactured metallic and ceramic biomaterials for medical and clinical applications, while also welcoming complementary contributions on polymer-based additive manufacturing where they directly support or interface with the biomaterials focus of this topic. Topic editors: Bartlomiej Adam Wysocki, Jian Chen Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/77234/advanced-3d-and-4d-printing-of-biomaterials-design-processing-and-biological-performance