4D printing has emerged as a transformative technology in the field of biomedical engineering, offering the potential for dynamic, stimuli-responsive structures with applications in tissue engineering, drug delivery, medical devices, and diagnostics. This review paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the advancements, challenges, and future directions of 4D printing in biomedical engineering. We discuss the development of smart materials, including stimuli-responsive polymers, shape-memory materials, and bio-inks, as well as the various fabrication techniques employed, such as direct-write assembly, stereolithography, and multi-material jetting. Despite the promising advances, several challenges persist, including material limitations related to biocompatibility, mechanical properties, and degradation rates; fabrication complexities arising from the integration of multiple materials, resolution and accuracy, and scalability; and regulatory and ethical considerations surrounding safety and efficacy. As we explore the future directions for 4D printing, we emphasise the need for material innovations, fabrication advancements, and emerging applications such as personalised medicine, nanomedicine, and bioelectronic devices. Interdisciplinary research and collaboration between material science, biology, engineering, regulatory agencies, and industry are essential for overcoming challenges and realising the full potential of 4D printing in the biomedical engineering landscape.
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a commonly occurring cartilage degenerative disease. The end stage treatment is Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA), which can be costly in terms of initial surgery, but also in terms of revision knee arthroplasty, which is quite often required. A novel conceptual knee implant has been proposed to function as a reducer of stress across the joint surface, to extend the period of time before TKA becomes necessary. The objective of this paper is to develop a computational model which can be used to assess the wear arising at the implant articulating surfaces. Experimental wear coefficients were determined from physical testing, the results of which were verified using a semi-analytical model. Experimental results were incorporated into an anatomically correct computational model of the knee and implant. The wear-rate predicted for the implant was 27.74 mm3 per million cycles (MC) and the wear depth predicted was 1.085 mm/MC. Whereas the wear-rate is comparable to that seen in conventional knee implants, the wear depth is significantly higher than for conventional knee prostheses, and indicates that, in order to be viable, wear-rates should be reduced in some way, perhaps by using low-wear polymers.
This review paper provides a comprehensive overview of the phenomenon of superlubricity, its associated material characteristics, and its potential applications. Superlubricity, the state of near-zero friction between two surfaces, presents significant potential for enhancing the efficiency of mechanical systems, thus attracting significant attention in both academic and industrial realms. We explore the atomic/molecular structures that enable this characteristic and discuss notable superlubric materials, including graphite, diamond-like carbon, and advanced engineering composites. The review further elaborates on the methods of achieving superlubricity at both nanoscale and macroscale levels, highlighting the influence of environmental conditions. We also discuss superlubricity's applications, ranging from mechanical systems to energy conservation and biomedical applications. Despite the promising potential, the realization of superlubricity is laden with challenges. We address these technical difficulties, specifically those related to achieving and maintaining superlubricity, and the issues encountered in scaling up for industrial applications. The paper also underscores the sustainability concerns associated with superlubricity and proposes potential solutions. We conclude with a discussion of the possible future research directions and the impact of technological innovations in this field. This review thus provides a valuable resource for researchers and industry professionals engaged in the development and application of superlubric materials.