Å-coat: a sub-nanometer surface molecular assembly process to produce multifunctional superhydrophobic fabrics
Fast Response Biodegradable and Biocompatible Shape Memory Polymer
Technology Overview
The technology relates to the development of biodegradable and biocompatible shape memory polymers.
In current literature, the time of response for the recovery of the shape takes between 10 seconds to hours. This time scale is too long for applications that require an almost instantaneous response. In current literature, it has been proposed that the ideal SMP for biomedical applications should be able to undergo good recovery after high strain changes. Furthermore, the materials used for the development of shape memory polymers include polyurethanes, crosslinked hydrogels, polynorbornene, poly(styrene-block-butadiene). These materials are not biodegradable. Furthermore, the use of these materials may not be biocompatible if the use is desired in humans.
Our Innovation
•Fast recovery process (less than 0.5 seconds)
•Novel polymer
•Solution processable – Able to dissolve and reform into different shapes, no chemical crosslinking
•Biodegradable and biocompatible
•Transition temperature at 40-45 dC
•Storage modulus at 25 oC: 20-250 MPa (Human skin ~ 200-300 Mpa)
•Stability: (>8 months, less than 0.5% weight loss)
•Degrade on demand
•Biocompatible
Potential Applications
•Coating for stents
•Active disassembly
•Fibers for fabrics, Shape memory Fabrics, “Wrinkle-free”
•Packaging materials
•Self sealing sutures
•Hair styling component
•Actuator materials in microfludics
•Security labels
•Self assembled macro-devices
•Joint fitting parts
•Cell culture scaffolds for novel detachment
•Triggered drug release films
•Heat activated sealant / loosener
Opportunity The market for shape memory polymers is not confined to a single product. The utilization of these products can span different areas, for example, consumer care, biomedical, textiles, packaging, security, etc.
Technology Overview
The technology relates to the development of biodegradable and biocompatible shape memory polymers.
In current literature, the time of response for the recovery of the shape takes between 10 seconds to hours. This time scale is too long for applications that require an almost instantaneous response. In current literature, it has been proposed that the ideal SMP for biomedical applications should be able to undergo good recovery after high strain changes. Furthermore, the materials used for the development of shape memory polymers include polyurethanes, crosslinked hydrogels, polynorbornene, poly(styrene-block-butadiene). These materials are not biodegradable. Furthermore, the use of these materials may not be biocompatible if the use is desired in humans.
Our Innovation
•Fast recovery process (less than 0.5 seconds)
•Novel polymer
•Solution processable – Able to dissolve and reform into different shapes, no chemical crosslinking
•Biodegradable and biocompatible
•Transition temperature at 40-45 dC
•Storage modulus at 25 oC: 20-250 MPa (Human skin ~ 200-300 Mpa)
•Stability: (>8 months, less than 0.5% weight loss)
•Degrade on demand
•Biocompatible
Potential Applications
•Coating for stents
•Active disassembly
•Fibers for fabrics, Shape memory Fabrics, “Wrinkle-free”
•Packaging materials
•Self sealing sutures
•Hair styling component
•Actuator materials in microfludics
•Security labels
•Self assembled macro-devices
•Joint fitting parts
•Cell culture scaffolds for novel detachment
•Triggered drug release films
•Heat activated sealant / loosener
Opportunity The market for shape memory polymers is not confined to a single product. The utilization of these products can span different areas, for example, consumer care, biomedical, textiles, packaging, security, etc.
28 January 2015 - Video abstract: thermogelling polymers in medicine
Back cover, Chem. Commun., 2015, 51, 10973-10974, DOI: 10.1039/C5CC90288F