Four-Dimensional (4D) Printing of Dynamic Foods—Definitions, Considerations, and Current Scientific Status

Abstract

Since its conception, the application of 3D printing in the structuring of food materials has been focused on the processing of novel material formulations and customized textures for innovative food applications, such as personalized nutrition and full sensory design. The continuous evolution of the used methods, approaches, and materials has created a solid foundation for technology to process dynamic food structures. Four-dimensional food printing is an extension of 3D printing where food structures are designed and printed to perform time-dependent changes activated by internal or external stimuli. In 4D food printing, structures are engineered through material tailoring and custom designs to achieve a transformation from one configuration to another. Different engineered 4D behaviors include stimulated color change, shape morphing, and biological growth. As 4D food printing is considered an emerging application, imperatively, this article proposes new considerations and definitions in 4D food printing. Moreover, this article presents an overview of 4D food printing within the current scientific progress, status, and approaches.

Innovation waves: Analysis and modeling of patents on ultrasound applications in food processing

“…3D food printing is typically carried out using data from computer-aided design software to create the desired model and by a 3D printer, depositing layers successively of the three-dimensional material (Yang et al, 2017). 4D food printing is an extension of 3D printing, with the possibility of adapting food characteristics over time through external stimuli (Fahmy et al, 2023). Food printing allows users to create complex materials and customize parameters, such as textures and nutritional profiles (Zhang et al, 2022).…”