3D food printing technologies for functional foods: Applications and antioxidant integration

3D food printing is an emerging additive manufacturing approach to fabricate customized edible products, offering new possibilities for developing functional foods enriched with health-promoting compounds. Antioxidant-rich functional foods are of great interest due to the role of antioxidants in mitigating oxidative stress and enhancing nutritional value. This review summarizes 3D printing technologies suitable for food applications, examining the stability of various antioxidants (polyphenols, carotenoids, vitamins) during printing, and identifying strategies to preserve bioactivity. Fundamental advances in extrusion-based, inkjet, and bioprinting techniques for foods are discussed alongside material requirements and process parameters. We synthesize findings from highly cited studies and recent experiments to evaluate how 3D printing affects antioxidants. Data are tabulated to compare printing methods, antioxidant types, degradation mechanisms, and mitigation techniques such as microencapsulation and controlled release systems. The review highlights that while 3D printing enables personalized nutrition and novel functional food designs, challenges remain in maintaining antioxidant stability during processing and storage. Notably, thermal and oxidative degradations can significantly reduce antioxidant efficacy if not properly managed. Research gaps are identified in understanding nutrient bioavailability from printed matrices and in scaling up technology for widespread use. Potential solutions include advanced encapsulation, improved printer precision, and integrated printing-cooking platforms. In summary, 3D food printing holds promise for creating antioxidant-fortified foods tailored to individual needs, but further interdisciplinary research is needed to optimize nutrient retention and ensure product safety. Future efforts should focus on refining techniques, validating health benefits, and establishing regulatory frameworks to support the successful commercialization of 3D-printed functional foods.