Brief insight into 3d food printing, functional ingredients required, types of different 3d food printing technologies

Three dimensional (3D) food printing is a novel and unique technology which combines both food technology and manufacturing processes to design distinctive food constructs with enhanced flavor, color, texture, taste and shape. This review aims to highlight the unique features of 3D food printing, its role in the food manufacturing, processing and packaging industries, application of this in outer space particularly in NASA, along with the recent advances undergone in this field which includes application of different printers and inks, printing techniques according to the requirements and needs. The essential ingredients of the edible food materials used as printable materials along with their pre-treatment and post treatment is discussed. A brief insight is provided into the 4D food printing technology which is derived from 3D printing, its applications and robustness. The future scope and prospects of 3D food printing in the medical, pharmaceutical and food industry has been discussed focusing mainly on elderly people, pregnant women and patients.