Volume 35, Issue 12 e70021
REVIEW ARTICLE

Emerging Applications of Smart Hydrogel Nanocomposites in 3D Printing

Mohammad Heidari

Mohammad Heidari

Department of Polymer Engineering & Color Technology, Amirkabir University of Technology, Tehran, Iran

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Farangis Shahi

Farangis Shahi

Department of Chemical Engineering, Amirkabir University of Technology, Tehran, Iran

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Hana Afshar

Hana Afshar

Department of Textile Engineering, Amirkabir University of Technology, Tehran, Iran

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Marcos A. L. Nobre

Marcos A. L. Nobre

School of Technology and Sciences, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Presidente Prudente, SP, Brazil

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Elmuez A. Dawi

Elmuez A. Dawi

Department of Mathematics and Science, Ajman University, College of Humanities and Sciences, Ajman, UAE

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Hossein Ali Khonakdar

Corresponding Author

Hossein Ali Khonakdar

Department of Processing, Iran Polymer and Petrochemical Institute, Tehran, Iran

Correspondence:

Hossein Ali Khonakdar ([email protected])

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First published: 08 December 2024
Citations: 8

Funding: The authors would like to gratefully acknowledge the partial support of Ajman University, Internal Research Grant No. DRGS ref. 2024-IRG-HBS-01.

ABSTRACT

This review provides a comprehensive overview of the emerging applications of stimuli-responsive hydrogels in 3D printing, emphasizing their transformative potential in creating adaptive and multifunctional structures. Stimuli-responsive hydrogels, including magneto-, thermo-, pH-, moisture-, solvent-, and photo-responsive varieties, have gained significant attention due to their ability to undergo dynamic changes in response to specific environmental stimuli. The review begins by exploring the fundamental characteristics and fabrication methods of hydrogels used in additive manufacturing, highlighting their exceptional adaptability and programmability. It then delves into various applications across diverse fields, including soft robotics, tissue engineering, drug delivery systems, wearable electronics, food technology, electromagnetic interference shielding, and anti-counterfeiting technologies. By integrating the latest advancements in 3D printing techniques, this review aims to offer insights into how stimuli-responsive hydrogels are enabling the development of innovative, intelligent, and environmentally responsive systems. The future perspectives section discusses challenges and opportunities for advancing the use of hydrogels in 3D printing, suggesting directions for future research that could push the boundaries of functional materials and programmable structures.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Data Availability Statement

Data sharing is not applicable to this article as no new data were created or analyzed in this study.

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