Smart polymers for 3D printing applications: current status and future outlook

Stimuli-responsive smart polymers have attracted substantial attention for their ability to undergo reversible physicochemical changes in response to external stimuli such as temperature, pH, light, magnetic fields, and biochemical cues. When integrated with 3D printing techniques, such as stereolithography, fused deposition modelling, direct ink writing, and selective laser sintering, these polymers enable the fabrication of architecturally complex, functional, and adaptive systems. This review outlines the molecular design strategies, printing compatibilities, and post-processing approaches essential for achieving dynamic performance in 3D-printed structures. Emphasis is placed on applications in biomedical devices, soft robotics, and sensing platforms. The synergy between smart polymer chemistry and AM technologies presents a promising pathway toward programmable materials and next-generation responsive systems with customized structural and functional properties.