4D printing in skin tissue engineering: A revolutionary approach to enhance wound healing and combat infections

Abstract

Skin infection poses significant challenges in healthcare, demanding innovative solutions to enhance the efficacy of wound-repair interventions. 4D printing represents a revolutionary approach in addition to traditional wound-management strategies. 4D-printing materials, which are dynamic and responsive, can change their shape or properties over time in response to internal or external stimuli, creating a paradigm shift in how wounds are treated. This review explores the potential of 4D printing technology as a transformative solution addressing critical challenges in skin tissue engineering. It highlights the journey from 2D fabrication of skin implants to the current state of 4D printing focusing on skin tissue structures that allow for precise and sustained release of therapeutic agents while exhibiting self-healing properties. Also, the ability to integrate antimicrobials to the printed skin constructs that respond to specific stimuli, such as pH, light, temperature, humidity, or enzymes enables the on demand and controlled release of antimicrobial agents. Additionally, integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into the fabrication process of skin tissues represents a synergistic approach that combines advanced computational methodologies with biological principles to identify the optimal conditions for enhancing tissue regeneration. Indeed, 4D bioprinting and AI-driven precision in the customization of scaffolds based on patient-specific needs promise a new era of personalized medicine in skin tissue engineering.