Recent advances in degradable lactide-based shape-memory polymers

Abstract

Biodegradable polymers are versatile polymeric materials that have a high potential in biomedical applications avoiding subsequent surgeries to remove, for example, an implanted device. In the past decade, significant advances have been achieved with poly(lactide acid) (PLA)-based materials, as they can be equipped with an additional functionality, that is, a shape-memory effect (SME). Shape-memory polymers (SMPs) can switch their shape in a predefined manner upon application of a specific external stimulus. Accordingly, SMPs have a high potential for applications ranging from electronic engineering, textiles, aerospace, and energy to biomedical and drug delivery fields based on the perspectives of new capabilities arising with such materials in biomedicine. This study summarizes the progress in SMPs with a particular focus on PLA, illustrates the design of suitable homo- and copolymer structures as well as the link between the (co)polymer structure and switching functionality, and describes recent advantages in the implementation of novel switching phenomena into SMP technology.

3D printing of shape memory poly(d,l‐lactide‐co‐trimethylene carbonate) by direct ink writing for shape‐changing structures

“…It can degrade to lactic acid which can be easily metabolized by human body. In the past decades, this biocompatible SMP has been widely investigated in biomedical applications . However, its drawback is obvious in high rigidity at body temperature, long period of degradation, and side effect of degradation product, which limits its application as soft medical devices.…”

“…In the past decades, this biocompatible SMP has been widely investigated in biomedical applications. [22][23][24] However, its drawback is obvious in high rigidity at body temperature, 25 long period of degradation, 26 and side effect of degradation product, 27 which limits its application as soft medical devices. An effective method is to copolymerize with other monomers, such as trimethylene carbonate (TMC), as a softening component to reduce glass transition temperature.…”

Biodegradable Shape Memory Polymers in Medicine

“…Controlled release formulations (CRF, drug loaded polymer matrices) generally aim to improve patient quality of life by enabling spatiotemporal control of drug release . By tuning the location, quantity, and duration of drugs in the body, their therapeutic benefits can be maximized.…”

A taxonomy of shape-changing behavior for 4D printed parts using shape-memory polymers

“…Global deformation of the material can be achieved when exposed to external changes such as water and temperature that are commonly used as the activation stimuli. When combined with the other less-exploited triggers such as magnetism, light, and pH, they open up new avenues to design smarter devices [2]. Thermal-responsive SMPs, through heating from a source such as heated gas or water, can also trigger the SME.…”