Frontiers of Chemical Science and Engineering
>> 2017,
Volume 11,
Issue 2
doi:
10.1007/s11705-017-1632-4
REVIEW ARTICLE
A mini review: Shape memory polymers for biomedical applications
Département de Chimie, Université de Montréal, C. P. 6128, Succ. Centre-ville, Montréal, QC, H3C 3J7, Canada
Accepted: 2017-04-17
Available online: 2017-05-12
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Abstract
Shape memory polymers (SMPs) are smart materials that can change their shape in a pre-defined manner under a stimulus. The shape memory functionality has gained considerable interest for biomedical applications, which require materials that are biocompatible and sometimes biodegradable. There is a need for SMPs that are prepared from renewable sources to be used as substitutes for conventional SMPs. In this paper, advances in SMPs based on synthetic monomers and bio-compounds are discussed. Materials designed for biomedical applications are highlighted.