Work

Biomedical applications of thermally activated shape memory polymers

Year: 2010

Type: article

Abstract: Shape memory polymers (SMPs) are smart materials that can remember a primary shape and can return to this primary shape from a deformed secondary shape when given an appropriate stimulus. This property allows them to be delivered in a compact form via minimally invasive surgeries in humans, and deployed to achieve complex final shapes. Here we review the various biomedical applications of SMPs and the challenges they face with respect to actuation and biocompatibility. While shape memory behavior has been demonstrated with heat, light and chemical environment, here we focus our discussion on thermally stimulated SMPs.

Source: Journal of Materials Chemistry

DOI: 10.1039/b923717h

Authors: Ward Small, IV, Pooja Singhal, Thomas S. Wilson, Duncan J. Maitland

Institutions: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Texas A&M University

Language: English

Topic: Advanced Materials and Mechanics

Subfield: Mechanical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funder: National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering