There is no previous example of a shape memory polymer that is capable of ...
Shape memory polymers are an unique class of smart materials that have gained
.
Shape Memory Materials Exploring Surfaces, Functionality, and Particles Sarah M.
1Department
1 Brosnan ,
Yapei
2 Wang ,
Valerie Sheares
1 Ashby
of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599-3290 2Department of Chemistry, Renmin University of China, Beijing 100872, China
Static
1. >Ttrans 2. Force
>Ttrans
3. < Ttrans
Original Shape
Temporary Shape
Shape memory polymers are an unique class of smart materials that have gained widespread interest in applications such as minimally invasive implants and self-deploying medical devices. In spite of their attractive properties, SMPs have been limited to structures without reactive functionality, fundamentally hindering their utility in applications that would benefit from physically and chemically dynamic materials. Here, we describe the first examples of shape memory polymers possessing such multi-functionality and demonstrate the ability to control their transition temperatures, surface features, and surface chemistries. Specifically, these materials exhibit shape memory properties on the macro-, micro-, and nanoscales and can be chemically modified to present a variety of surface moieties. These materials are uniquely capable of both physically changing surfaces from one geometry to another and switching their surface chemistries. Thus, these materials are truly multi-functional, expanding the range of properties of SMPs and their potential applications in the fields of chemistry, materials, and biomedicine.
-
The size, shape, and surface characteristics of micro- and nanoparticles are of critical importance for determining their ultimate biodistribution, delivery, and bioactivity. These properties are particularly important for nano-based medicine, therapeutics, and bio-imaging applications. Micro- and nanosized polymer particles that are capable of changing from a selected shape to another on demand have been elusive. In all previous attempts, the particles change shape, but all existing systems require one of the shapes to be a sphere, and they often offer little to no control over the final or original shape. We have developed the first example of shape memory polymer particles that can have any starting shape, have a large variety of temporary shapes, return to the original shape at biologically reasonable and tunable temperatures, and have a surface chemistry that can be trivially modified.
Return Shape
Deformation up to 800% Biocompatible and biodegradable Modulus (
