NIR Light‐Triggered Shape Memory Polymers Based on Mussel‐Inspired Iron–Catechol Complexes

Abstract

Shape memory polymers (SMPs) with the permanent shape reconfiguration capability have received much research interest because they are capable of diversified tasks and the ability to work in conditions that required complex geometry. However, most of such SMPs are thermally triggered, which limits their applications. Inspired by reversible mussel adhesive protein chemistry, NIR light‐triggered SMPs with the permanent shape reconfiguration capability are prepared. The polymer networks are constructed using biocompatible polyethylene glycol, which is crosslinked based on catechol–Fe3+ coordination. The polymer networks have a uniform network structure and exhibit a considerable one‐way shape memory effect (1W‐SME) as well as a good two‐way shape memory effect (2W‐SME) under stress conditions. Taking advantage of the dynamic nature of the catechol–Fe3+ coordination, the permanent shape of the polymers could be reconfigured. Moreover, the catechol–Fe3+ complexes have a broad absorption in the NIR window, which bestows the polymers with excellent NIR light‐triggered SME. Further, the great potential of the obtained polymers in biomedical and electronic applications is presented. Owing to the NIR‐triggered 1W‐SME and the permanent shape reconfiguration capability, the polymer could be used as a personalizing vascular stent. Additionally, the polymer could be applied in light‐driven switches based on the NIR light‐triggered 2W‐SME.

Multifunctional polyurethane hydrogel based on a phenol–carbamate network and an Fe3+–polyphenol coordination bond toward NIR light triggered actuators and strain sensors

“…However, the dynamic phenol–carbamate bonds are thermally unstable, which can be dissociated and recombined at a certain temperature. 56–59 Furthermore, the reversible exchange of the phenol–carbamate bond has also been confirmed in our previous studies, 24,25,60,61 and according to the relevant literature, the catechol–Fe 3+ cross-links are also reversible, 62,63 which may make the TAPU/Fe-4 polymer recyclable and reusable. As shown in Fig.…”

A Ferrofluid with Surface Modified Nanoparticles for Magnetic Hyperthermia and High ROS Production

“…In colloidal suspensions, their long-time stability has been studied [2], as well as their good molecular anchoring properties [1][2][3]. The catechol derivative 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) has been found in mussel adhesive proteins, proteins that mussels use to adhere to nearly any surface, which inspired the use of catechol and other derivatives in biocompatible and stable nanoparticles [4]. In the biomedical field, colloidal systems of superficially modified magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) for anchoring drugs are attractive alternatives for cancer diagnostics and therapies [5].…”

A Photoorganizable Triple Shape Memory Polymer for Deployable Devices

“…In comparison to other light weighted smart materials such as dielectric elastomers, hydrogels, or liquid crystal elastomers, [ 4–8 ] SMPs offer a high degree of freedom in shape programming and the ability to maintain shape without continuous energy input, meeting the need of “smart” deployable devices to deform between multiple functional shapes in sequence and provide the corresponding functionality needs. [ 9–11 ] Compared to dual‐SMPs with single shape deformation, [ 12–17 ] triple shape memory polymers (TSMPs) produce additional temporary shape so that they are compatible to different programming pathways and stepwise shape deformation among more intermediate shapes, [ 18–22 ] permitting “smart” deployable devices to complete multiple tasks accordingly.…”

“…DOI: 10.1002/smll.202106443 continuous energy input, meeting the need of "smart" deployable devices to deform between multiple functional shapes in sequence and provide the corresponding functionality needs. [9][10][11] Compared to dual-SMPs with single shape deformation, [12][13][14][15][16][17] triple shape memory polymers (TSMPs) produce additional temporary shape so that they are compatible to different programming pathways and stepwise shape deformation among more intermediate shapes, [18][19][20][21][22] permitting "smart" deployable devices to complete multiple tasks accordingly.…”