4D printing: A novel application for structuring oils with fat-analog characteristics

Background

Food 4D printing offers an enhanced sensory experience and dynamic nutritional design for creating personalized food, which is considered a significant advancement in intelligent food manufacturing. However, the responsive capabilities of food materials to external environmental stimuli restrict the further development of food 4D printing.

Scope and approach

This article demonstrated the latest progress of a new intelligent material based on structuring oils in food 4D printing. For the application of structuring oils in food 4D printing, it is necessary to have a detailed understanding of the structure and properties of the structuring oils. Furthermore, the mechanisms of achieving changes in food shape, color, flavor, and nutrition through 4D printing were discussed, along with an analysis of the reasons why structuring oils successfully achieved food 4D printing. Finally, the challenges and prospects of designing 4D-printed food based on structuring oils were discussed.

Key findings and conclusions

When subjected to stimuli such as temperature or pH, 3D printed products based on structuring oils can transform shape, color, or flavor. These innovations are anticipated to play a pivotal role in the future landscape of food production and personalized nutrition design. Nevertheless, factors such as the mechanical and functional properties of structuring oils may significantly influence the structural integrity and stimulus-response characteristics of 3D printed products. Future research should focus on enhancing the functional properties of structuring oils and their applicability to various food substrates to improve the accuracy, stability, and sensory quality of 4D printing inks, thereby broadening the application scenarios for structuring oils.