A Biocompatible 4D Printing Shape Memory Polymer as Emerging Strategy for Fabrication of Deployable Medical Devices

Abstract

The rapid development of 4D printing provides a potential strategy for the fabrication of deployable medical devices (DMD). The minimally invasive surgery to implant the DMD into the body is critical, 4D printing DMD allows the well-defined device to be implanted with a high-compacted shape and transformed into their designed shape to meet the requirement. Herein, a 4D printing tissue engineering material is developed with excellent biocompatibility and shape memory effect based on the photocrosslinked polycaprolactone (PCL). The fast thiol-acrylate click reaction is applied for photocrosslinking of the acrylates capped star polymer (s-PCL-MA) with poly-thiols, that enable the 3D printing for the DMD fabrication. The cell viability, erythrocyte hemolysis, and platelet adhesion results indicate the excellent biocompatibility of the 4D printing polymer, especially the biological subcutaneous implantation results confirm the promote tissue growth and good histocompatibility. A 4D printing stent with deformable shape and recovery at a temperature close to human body temperature demonstrated the potential application as DMD. In addition, the everolimus is loaded to the polymer (ps1-PCL) through host-guest coordination with 𝜷-cyclodextrin as the core of the star polymer, which shows sustained drug release and improved body's inflammatory response.

Green Synthesis of Nonisocyanate Poly(ester urethanes) from Renewable Resources and Recycled Poly(ethylene terephthalate) Waste for Tissue Engineering Application

“…Nowadays, shape memory polymers (SMPs) are widely recognized as a distinct class of smart materials which are capable of reverting to their original shape upon deformation when exposed to external stimuli like pH, light, and temperature. , These SMPs possess the ability to memorize their permanent shape, while they can efficiently recover their original configuration in the presence of such external triggers, even after being temporarily deformed. The exceptional responsiveness of SMPs has led to their extensive applications in the biomedical field, including their use as biological sutures, stent materials, bladder sensors, and tissue engineering scaffolds. − …”

Is grafting crystals the new art of making conventional elastomers smart?

“…An intriguing development worth elaborating on involves the creation of a biocompatible 4D printing shape memory polymer, which represents an emerging strategy for producing deployable medical devices. [54][55][56][57][58] This particular 4D printing material, designed for tissue engineering applications, is crafted from a photocrosslinked polycaprolactone (PCL) that exhibits outstanding biocompatibility and shape memory properties. The fabrication process involves utilizing a thiol-acrylate click reaction for photocrosslinking the acrylates capped star polymer (s-PCL-MA) with poly-thiols.…”

“…This showcases the potential application of the 4D printing shape memory polymer in deployable medical devices, particularly in scenarios requiring dynamic structural adjustments. [57] The envisioned applications extend beyond the medical field, encompassing areas such as flexible electronics, soft robotics, and autonomous systems. The selfdeployable nature of devices based on these actuators holds promise for scenarios where adaptability and autonomous operation are crucial.…”

“…This method enables 3D printing for direct material deposition (DMD) during fabrication. [ 57 ] Assessments of cell viability, erythrocyte hemolysis, and platelet adhesion underscore the exceptional biocompatibility of the 4D printing polymer. A notable application of this 4D printing technology is demonstrated in the creation of a stent with deformable shape and recovery capabilities at a temperature close to the human body temperature.…”

Expanded Polytetrafluoroethylene Membranes for Vascular Stent Coating: Manufacturing, Biomedical and Surgical Applications, Innovations and Case Reports

“…With this material they subsequently fabricateda small-diameter stent with a deformable shape memory loop for deployment and recovery size to support stenotic lesions [ 104 ]. In addition, a self-folding porous tubular structure was 4Dprintedwith encapsulated growth factors that were released in vivo by thermoregulation [ 105 ].…”