Biomedical Applications of Thermally Activated Shape Memory Polymers

Journal Article · Fri Apr 10 00:00:00 EDT 2009 · Journal of Materials Chemistry

OSTI ID:977224

Small, IV, W; Singhal, P; Wilson, T S; Maitland, D J

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.

• Research Organization: Lawrence Livermore National Lab. (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-48
• OSTI ID: 977224
• Report Number(s): LLNL-JRNL-412712; JMACEP; TRN: US201010%%38
• Journal Information: Journal of Materials Chemistry, Vol. 20, Issue 17; ISSN 0959-9428
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
POLYMERS
SHAPE
MATERIALS
CHEMISTRY
BIOLOGY