Personalized 4D printing of bioinspired tracheal scaffold concept based on magnetic stimulated shape memory composites

Shape memory polymers (SMPs) can be triggered by an external stimulus to realize the shape changing from temporary shape to its original shape. Due to its biodegradability, easy forming properties and shape memory effect, SMPs have been widely considered in bio-medical applications. This paper details an application of SMP in personalized 4D printing of a bio-designed tracheal scaffold. Compared with the traditional tracheal scaffolds, the SMP tracheal scaffolds can conform to the issue to keep the best fixed state. Moreover, the design of tracheal scaffold based on the microstructure of the glass sponge exhibits higher strength and stability. The distinctive design endows it with the ability to adapt the complex environmental conditions in the soft-tissue of patients. Combined with 4D printing, the bioinspired tracheal scaffold can realize customization in consideration of different size of trachea. The SMP based bio-designed tracheal scaffolds showed excellent performances and were proved to be a potential replacement for the traditional tracheal scaffold.