The University of Southampton
University of Southampton Institutional Repository

Machine learning in gel-based additive manufacturing: from material design to process optimization

Machine learning in gel-based additive manufacturing: from material design to process optimization
Machine learning in gel-based additive manufacturing: from material design to process optimization

Machine learning is reshaping gel-based additive manufacturing by enabling accelerated material design and predictive process optimization. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent progress in applying machine learning across gel formulation development, printability prediction, and real-time process control. The integration of algorithms such as neural networks, random forests, and support vector machines allows accurate modeling of gel properties, including rheology, elasticity, swelling, and viscoelasticity, from compositional and processing data. Advances in data-driven formulation and closed-loop robotics are moving gel printing from trial and error toward autonomous and efficient material discovery. Despite these advances, challenges remain regarding data sparsity, model robustness, and integration with commercial printing systems. The review results highlight the value of open-source datasets, standardized protocols, and robust validation practices to ensure reproducibility and reliability in both research and clinical environments. Looking ahead, combining multimodal sensing, generative design, and automated experimentation will further accelerate discoveries and enable new possibilities in tissue engineering, biomedical devices, soft robotics, and sustainable materials manufacturing.

gels additive manufacturing, machine learning, material design, process optimization
Zhang, Zhizhou
11ee73d9-e771-482e-b973-d7e829731d4e
Wang, Yaxin
f0534a49-2f84-406d-87cf-7179b86f4467
Wang, Weiguang
0cc699c0-e7b3-49d0-8c84-1e9d63f747d8
Zhang, Zhizhou
11ee73d9-e771-482e-b973-d7e829731d4e
Wang, Yaxin
f0534a49-2f84-406d-87cf-7179b86f4467
Wang, Weiguang
0cc699c0-e7b3-49d0-8c84-1e9d63f747d8

Zhang, Zhizhou, Wang, Yaxin and Wang, Weiguang (2025) Machine learning in gel-based additive manufacturing: from material design to process optimization. Gels, 11 (8). (doi:10.3390/gels11080582).

Record type: Review

Abstract

Machine learning is reshaping gel-based additive manufacturing by enabling accelerated material design and predictive process optimization. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent progress in applying machine learning across gel formulation development, printability prediction, and real-time process control. The integration of algorithms such as neural networks, random forests, and support vector machines allows accurate modeling of gel properties, including rheology, elasticity, swelling, and viscoelasticity, from compositional and processing data. Advances in data-driven formulation and closed-loop robotics are moving gel printing from trial and error toward autonomous and efficient material discovery. Despite these advances, challenges remain regarding data sparsity, model robustness, and integration with commercial printing systems. The review results highlight the value of open-source datasets, standardized protocols, and robust validation practices to ensure reproducibility and reliability in both research and clinical environments. Looking ahead, combining multimodal sensing, generative design, and automated experimentation will further accelerate discoveries and enable new possibilities in tissue engineering, biomedical devices, soft robotics, and sustainable materials manufacturing.

Text
gels-11-00582 - Version of Record
Available under License Creative Commons Attribution.
Download (6MB)

More information

Accepted/In Press date: 25 July 2025
Published date: 28 July 2025
Keywords: gels additive manufacturing, machine learning, material design, process optimization

Identifiers

Local EPrints ID: 505085
URI: http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/id/eprint/505085
PURE UUID: 523931ed-3073-4f59-be45-813b2f7cd376
ORCID for Weiguang Wang: ORCID iD orcid.org/0000-0002-8959-329X

Catalogue record

Date deposited: 25 Sep 2025 17:10
Last modified: 26 Sep 2025 02:18

Export record

Altmetrics

Contributors

Author: Zhizhou Zhang
Author: Yaxin Wang
Author: Weiguang Wang ORCID iD

Download statistics

Downloads from ePrints over the past year. Other digital versions may also be available to download e.g. from the publisher's website.

View more statistics

Atom RSS 1.0 RSS 2.0

Contact ePrints Soton: eprints@soton.ac.uk

ePrints Soton supports OAI 2.0 with a base URL of http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/cgi/oai2

This repository has been built using EPrints software, developed at the University of Southampton, but available to everyone to use.

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue without changing your settings, we will assume that you are happy to receive cookies on the University of Southampton website.

×