Polyurethane Shape‐Memory Polymers Demonstrate Functional Biocompatibility In Vitro

Abstract

Shape memory polymers (SMPs) are a class of polymeric materials used in various medical interventions such as vascular stents. In this work, two SMPs, thermoplastic (TP) and thermoset (TS), have been measured in vitro for the degree of cellular and protein adhesion, their ability to stimulate inflammatory cytokine production, as well as the effects of the SMPs on the haemostatic system. The stimulatory properties of SMPs on neutrophils have also been directly addressed. Based on the studies of SMP biocompatibility as defined by inflammation, thrombogenesis, and the activation of both platelets and neutrophils, the TS and TP SMP materials are unlikely to stimulate an inflammatory response in vivo. [figure: see text]

High‐Strain Shape‐Memory Polymers

“…[4][5][6][7] Yet other SMP applications in the biomedical device field require high strains to enable large on-demand shape changes. [8][9][10][11][12] Enabling large-strain applications of SMPs are of particular interest in this study.…”

The use of a shape-memory poly(ε-caprolactone)dimethacrylate network as a tissue engineering scaffold

“…In order to comply with specific requirements, biodegradable and nondegradable SMPs can be produced from different natural or synthetic raw polymers, such as chitosan [3], cellulose [4], polyetherurethanes [1,5], poly(e-caprolactone) [6,7], poly(ethylene terephthalate) and poly(ethylene oxide) [1].…”

“…However, only four publications exist that relate to in vitro studies using cells in contact with SMPs [5,[12][13][14], none of which describes the impact of the shape-memory effect on adjacent cells.…”

Coaxial electrospun polyurethane core-shell nanofibers for shape memory and antibacterial nanomaterials

“…In addition, shape memory polymers (SMPs) in particular shape memory polyurethanes (SMPUs) were widely studied in the past decades [10][11][12]. In addition to the excellent shape memory effect, the SMPUs demonstrate functional biocompatibility and had been used in various medical interventions such as vascular stents [13]. Recently, antibacterial activity was reported in the SMPU ionomers by Zhu et al [14].…”