4D printing is a result of 3D printing of smart materials which respond to diverse stimuli to
produce novel products. 4D printing has been applied successfully to many fields, e.g., engineering,
medical devices, computer components, food processing, etc. The last two years have seen a
significant increase in studies on 4D as well as 5D and 6D food printing. This paper reviews and
summarizes current applications, benefits, limitations, and challenges of 4D food printing. in
addition, the principles, current, and potential applications of the latest additive manufacturing
technologies (5D and 6D printing) are reviewed and discussed. Presently, 4D food printing
applications have mainly focused on achieving desirable color, shape, flavor, and nutritional
properties of 3D printed materials. Moreover, it is noted that 5D and 6D printing can in principle
print very complex structures with improved strength and less material than do 3D and 4D printing.
in future, these new technologies are expected to result in significant innovations in all fields,
including the production of high quality food products which cannot be produced with current
processing technologies. The objective of this review is to identify industrial potential of 4D printing
and for further innovation utilizing 5D and 6D printing. |
