Bio-Inspired 4D Printing of Dynamic Spider Silks

Integrative Modeling and Experimental Insights into 3D and 4D Printing Technologies

This review focuses on advancements in polymer science as it relates to three-dimensional (3D) and four-dimensional (4D) printing technologies, with a specific emphasis on applications in the biomedical field. While acknowledging the breadth of 3D and 4D printing applications, this paper concentrates on the use of polymers in creating biomedical devices and the challenges associated with their implementation. It explores integrative modeling and experimental insights driving innovations in these fields, focusing on sustainable manufacturing with biodegradable polymers, a comparative analysis of 3D and 4D printing techniques, and applications in biomedical devices. Additionally, the review examines the materials used in both 3D and 4D printing, offering a detailed comparison of their properties and applications. By highlighting the transformative potential of these technologies in various industrial and medical applications, the paper underscores the importance of continued research and development. The scope of this review also includes an overview of future research directions to address current challenges, enhance material capabilities, and explore practical applications.

Electrospun Nanofibrous UV Filters with Bidirectional Actuation Properties Based on Salmon Sperm DNA/Silk Fibroin for Biomedical Applications

In this study, we dissolved Bombyx mori degummed silk [i.e., silk fibroin (SF)] and salmon sperm deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) in water and used a bioinspired spinning process to obtain an electrospun nanofibrous SF-based patch (ESF). We investigated the bidirectional macroscale actuation behavior of ESF in response to water vapor and its UV-blocking properties as well as those of ESF/DNA films. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) results suggest that the formation of β-sheet-rich structures promotes the actuation effect. ESF/DNA film with high-ordered and β-sheet-rich structures exhibits higher electrical conductivity and is water-insoluble. Given the intrinsic ability of both SF and DNA to absorb UV radiation, we performed biological experiments on the viability of keratinocyte HaCaT cells after exposure to solar spectrum components. Our findings indicate that the ESF/DNA patch is photoprotective and can increase the cellular viability of keratinocytes after UV exposure. Furthermore, we demonstrated that ESF/DNA patches treated with water vapor can serve as suitable scaffolds for tissue engineering and can improve tissue regeneration when cellularized with HaCaT cells. The 3D shape morphing capability of these patches, along with their potential as UV filters, could offer significant practical advantages in tissue engineering.