International Journal of Extreme Manufacturing, Volume. 6, Issue 1, 12001(2024)

Two-photon polymerization-based 4D printing and its applications

Bingcong Jian1...2, Honggeng Li1,2,*, Xiangnan He1,2, Rong Wang1,2, Hui Ying Yang3, and Qi Ge12 |Show fewer author(s)
Author Affiliations
  • 1Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Soft Mechanics & Smart Manufacturing, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, People’s Republic of China
  • 2Department of Mechanical and Energy Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, People’s Republic of China
  • 3Pillar of Engineering Product Development, Singapore University of Technology and Design, 8 Somapah Road, Singapore 487372, Singapore
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    Two-photon polymerization (TPP) is a cutting-edge micro/nanoscale three-dimensional (3D) printing technology based on the principle of two-photon absorption. TPP surpasses the diffraction limit in achieving feature sizes and excels in fabricating intricate 3D micro/nanostructures with exceptional resolution. The concept of 4D entails the fabrication of structures utilizing smart materials capable of undergoing shape, property, or functional changes in response to external stimuli over time. The integration of TPP and 4D printing introduces the possibility of producing responsive structures with micro/nanoscale accuracy, thereby enhancing the capabilities and potential applications of both technologies. This paper comprehensively reviews TPP-based 4D printing technology and its diverse applications. First, the working principles of TPP and its recent advancements are introduced. Second, the optional 4D printing materials suitable for fabrication with TPP are discussed. Finally, this review paper highlights several noteworthy applications of TPP-based 4D printing, including domains such as biomedical microrobots, bioinspired microactuators, autonomous mobile microrobots, transformable devices and robots, as well as anti-counterfeiting microdevices. In conclusion, this paper provides valuable insights into the current status and future prospects of TPP-based 4D printing technology, thereby serving as a guide for researchers and practitioners.

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    Bingcong Jian, Honggeng Li, Xiangnan He, Rong Wang, Hui Ying Yang, Qi Ge. Two-photon polymerization-based 4D printing and its applications[J]. International Journal of Extreme Manufacturing, 2024, 6(1): 12001

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    Paper Information

    Received: May. 25, 2023

    Accepted: --

    Published Online: Jul. 19, 2024

    The Author Email: Li Honggeng (lihg@mail.sustech.edu.cn)

    DOI:10.1088/2631-7990/acfc03

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