Development of an analytical model to predict self-folding of 4D bioprinted scaffolds

Four Dimensional (4D) printing is a fabrication approach which adds the fourth dimension “time” at the three spatial dimensions of Three Dimensional (3D) printing. A 4D printed object is capable of changing its shape and function after receiving an appropriate stimulus. 4D printing finds application in tissue engineering and biofabrication. Indeed the change in shape of a 4D printed object can mimic physiological movement, and promote cellular growth and differentiation. In this work, we developed an analytical model to predict, in space, the movement of a scaffold that from a planar geometry turns into a tubular one. This specific shape changing, referred as “folding”, has been chosen because it can mimic several anatomical structures, such as: neural tube, trachea, blood vessels and intestine wall.