A mini review: Shape memory polymers for biomedical applications

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.

Graphical abstract

Keywords

shape memory polymer / biodegradability / biocompatibility / biomedical application / bile acids

References

[1] WeiZ G, SandstrorömR, MiyazakiS. Shape-memory materials and hybrid composites for smart systems. Part I Shape-memory materials.Journal of Materials Science, 1998, 33(15): 3743–3762

[2] FeninatE F, LarocheG, FisetM, MantovaniD. Shape memory materials for biomedical applications.Advanced Engineering Materials, 2002, 4(3): 91–104

[3] HornbogenE. Comparison of shape memory metals and polymers.Advanced Engineering Materials, 2006, 8(1-2): 101–106

[4] RainerW C, ReddingE M, HitovJ J, SloanA W, StewartW D. US Patent, 3144398(A), 1964-08-11

[5] LendleinA, LangerR. Biodegradable, elastic shape-memory polymers for potential biomedical applications.Science, 2002, 296(5573): 1673–1676

[6] KratzK, VoigtU, LendleinA. Temperature-memory effect of copolyesterurethanes and their application potential in minimally invasive medical technologies.Advanced Functional Materials, 2012, 22(14): 3057–3065

[7] Enriquez-SaranoM, SchaffH V, OrszulakT A, TajikA J, BaileyK R, FryeR L. Valve repair improves the outcome of surgery for mitral regurgitation: A multivariate analysis.Circulation, 1995, 91(4): 1022–1028

[8] AlarcónC D H, PennadamS, AlexanderC. Stimuli responsive polymers for biomedical applications.Chemical Society Reviews, 2005, 34(3): 276–285

[9] SchmaljohannD. Thermo- and pH-responsive polymers in drug delivery.Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews, 2006, 58(15): 1655–1670

[10] XueL, DaiS, LiZ. Biodegradable shape-memory block co-polymers for fast self-expandable stents.Biomaterials, 2010, 31(32): 8132–8140

[11] YakackiC M, ShandasR, LanningC, RechB, EcksteinA, GallK. Unconstrained recovery characterization of shape-memory polymer networks for cardiovascular applications.Biomaterials, 2007, 28(14): 2255–2263

[12] SmallW IV, SinghalP, WilsonT S, MaitlandD J. Biomedical applications of thermally activated shape memory polymers.Journal of Materials Chemistry, 2010, 20(17): 3356–3366

[13] YahiaL. Shape Memory Polymers for Biomedical Applications. London:Woodhead Publishing, 2015

[14] MartinaM, HutmacherD W. Biodegradable polymers applied in tissue engineering research: A review.Polymer International, 2007, 56(2): 145–157

[15] TschanM J L, BruleE, HaquetteP, ThomasC M. Synthesis of biodegradable polymers from renewable resources.Polymer Chemistry, 2012, 3(4): 836–851

[16] ZhengY, LiJ, LeeE, YangS. Light-induced shape recovery of deformed shape memory polymer micropillar arrays with gold nanorods.RSC Advances, 2015, 5(39): 30495–30499

[17] ZhangH, ZhangJ, TongX, MaD, ZhaoY. Light polarization-controlled shape-memory polymer/gold nanorod composite.Macromolecular Rapid Communications, 2013, 34(19): 1575–1579

[18] ZhangH, XiaH, ZhaoY. Optically triggered and spatially controllable shape-memory polymer-gold nanoparticle composite materials.Journal of Materials Chemistry, 2012, 22(3): 845–849

[19] ZhangH, ZhaoY. Polymers with dual light-triggered functions of shape memory and healing using gold nanoparticles.ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 2013, 5(24): 13069–13075

[20] WuY, HuJ, ZhangC, HanJ, WangY, KumarB. A facile approach to fabricate a UV/heat dual-responsive triple shape memory polymer.Journal of Materials Chemsitry A, 2015, 3(1): 97–100

[21] WangZ, ZhaoJ, ChenM, YangM, TangL, DangZ M, ChenF, HuangM, DongX. Dually actuated triple shape memory polymers of cross-linked polycyclooctene-carbon nanotube/polyethylene nanocomposites.ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 2014, 6(22): 20051–20059

[22] LuX, FeiG, XiaH, ZhaoY. Ultrasound healable shape memory dynamic polymers.Journal of Materials Chemsitry A, 2014, 2(38): 16051–16060

[23] LiG, FeiG, LiuB, XiaH, ZhaoY. Shape recovery characteristics for shape memory polymers subjected to high intensity focused ultrasound.RSC Advances, 2014, 4(62): 32701–32709

[24] LiW, LiuY, LengJ. Shape memory polymer nanocomposite with multi-stimuli response and two-way reversible shape memory behavior.RSC Advances, 2014, 4(106): 61847–61854

[25] DuH, YuY, JiangG, ZhangJ, BaoJ. Microwave-induced shape-memory effect of chemically crosslinked moist poly(vinyl alcohol) networks.Macromolecular Chemistry and Physics, 2011, 212(14): 1460–1468

[26] RazzaqM Y, BehlM, LendleinA. Magnetic memory effect of nanocomposites.Advanced Functional Materials, 2012, 22(1): 184–191

[27] LendleinA, KelchS. Shape-memory polymers.Angewandte Chemie International Edition, 2002, 41(12): 2034–2057

[28] LiuC, QinH, MatherP T. Review of progress in shape-memory polymers.Journal of Materials Chemistry, 2007, 17(16): 1543–1558

[29] XieT. Recent advances in polymer shape memory.Polymer, 2011, 52(22): 4985–5000

[30] HuJ, ZhuY, HuangH, LuJ. Recent advances in shape-memory polymers: Structure, mechanism, functionality, modeling and applications.Progress in Polymer Science, 2012, 37(12): 1720–1763

[31] BergG J, McBrideM K, WangC, BowmanC N. New directions in the chemistry of shape memory polymers.Polymer, 2014, 55(23): 5849–5872

[32] HagerM D, BodeS, WeberC, SchubertU S. Shape memory polymers: Past, present and future developments.Progress in Polymer Science, 2015, 49-50: 3–33

[33] ZhaoQ, QiH J, XieT. Recent progress in shape memory polymer: New behavior, enabling materials, and mechanistic understanding.Progress in Polymer Science, 2015, 49-50: 79–120

[34] RatnaD, Karger-KocsisJ. Recent advances in shape memory polymers and composites: A review.Journal of Materials Science, 2008, 43(1): 254–269

[35] LiuY, LvH, LanX, LengJ, DuS. Review of electro-active shape-memory polymer composite.Composites Science and Technology, 2009, 69(13): 2064–2068

[36] LengJ, LanX, LiuY, DuS. Shape-memory polymers and their composites: Stimulus methods and applications.Progress in Materials Science, 2011, 56(7): 1077–1135

[37] HuangW M, YangB, ZhaoY, DingZ. Thermo-moisture responsive polyurethane shape-memory polymer and composites: A review.Journal of Materials Chemistry, 2010, 20(17): 3367–3381

[38] MengH, LiG. A review of stimuli-responsive shape memory polymer composites.Polymer, 2013, 54(9): 2199–2221

[39] BehlM, LendleinA. Triple-shape polymers.Journal of Materials Chemistry, 2010, 20(17): 3335–3345

[40] KumarK S S, BijuR, NairC P R. Progress in shape memory epoxy resins.Reactive & Functional Polymers, 2013, 73(2): 421–430

[41] ZhaoQ, BehlM, LendleinA. Shape-memory polymers with multiple transitions: Complex actively moving polymers.Soft Matter, 2013, 9(6): 1744–1755

[42] HuJ, ChenS. A review of actively moving polymers in textile applications.Journal of Materials Chemistry, 2010, 20(17): 3346–3355

[43] LiuY, DuH, LiuL, LengJ. Shape memory polymers and their composites in aerospace applications: A review.Smart Materials and Structures, 2014, 23(2): 023001

[44] SerranoM C, AmeerG A. Recent insights into the biomedical applications of shape-memory polymers.Macromolecular Bioscience, 2012, 12(9): 1156–1171

[45] LendleinA, BehlM, HieblB, WischkeC. Shape-memory polymers as a technology platform for biomedical applications.Expert Review of Medical Devices, 2010, 7(3): 357–379

[46] ChanB Q Y, LowZ W K, HengS J W, ChanS Y, OwhC, LohX J. Recent advances in shape memory soft materials for biomedical applications.ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 2016, 8(16): 10070–10087

[47] ZhangR, WangY, WangK, ZhengG, LiQ, ShenC. Crystallization of poly(lactic acid) accelerated by cyclodextrin complex as nucleating agent.Polymer Bulletin, 2013, 70(1): 195–206

[48] SainiP, AroraM, KumarM N V R. Poly(lactic acid) blends in biomedical applications.Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews, 2016, 107: 47–59

[49] ShasteenC, ChoyY B. Controlling degradation rate of poly(lactic acid) for its biomedical applications.Biomedical Engineering Letters, 2011, 1(3): 163–167

[50] LuX, CaiW, ZhaoL C. Study on the shape memory behavior of poly(L-lactide).Materials Science Forum, 2005, 475-479: 2399–2402

[51] ZhengX, ZhouS, LiX, WengJ. Shape memory properties of poly((D,L-lactide)/hydroxyapatite composites.Biomaterials, 2006, 27(24): 4288–4295

[52] MengQ, HuJ, HoK, JiF, ChenS. The shape memory properties of biodegradable chitosan/poly(L-lactide) composites.Journal of Polymers and the Environment, 2009, 17(3): 212–224

[53] FilionT M, XuJ, PrasadM L, SongJ. In vivo tissue responses to thermal-responsive shape memory polymer nanocomposites.Biomaterials, 2011, 32(4): 985–991

[54] LiangJ Z, DuanD R, TangC Y, TsuiC P, ChenD Z. Flexural properties of poly-L-lactide and polycaprolactone shape memory composites filled with nanometer calcium carbonate.Journal of Macromolecular Science, Part B: Physics, 2013, 52(7): 964–972

[55] KutikovA B, ReyerK A, SongJ. Shape memory performance of thermoplastic amphiphilic triblock copolymer poly(D, L-lactic acid-co-ethylene glycol-co-D, L-lactic acid) (PELA)/hydroxyapatite composites.Macromolecular Chemistry and Physics, 2014, 215(24): 2482–2490

[56] RuanC, WangY, ZhangM, LuoY, FuC, HuangM, SunJ, HuC. Design, synthesis and characterization of novel biodegradable shape memory polymers based on poly(D, L-lactic acid) diol, hexamethylene diisocyanate and piperazine.Polymer International, 2012, 61(4): 524–530

[57] RadjabianM, KishM H, MohammadiN. Structure-property relationship for poly(lactic acid) (PLA) filaments: Physical, thermomechanical and shape memory characterization.Journal of Polymer Research, 2012, 19(6): 9870

[58] ChangR, HuangY, ShanG, BaoY, YunX, DongT, PanP. Alternating poly(lactic acid)/poly(ethylene-co-butylene) supramolecular multiblock copolymers with tunable shape memory and self-healing properties.Polymer Chemistry, 2015, 6(32): 5899–5910

[59] LaiS M, WuW L, WangY J. Annealing effect on the shape memory properties of polylactic acid (PLA)/thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) bio-based blends.Journal of Polymer Research, 2016, 23(5): 99

[60] ShenT, LuM, ZhouD, LiangL. Influence of blocked polyisocyanate on thermomechanical, shape memory and biodegradable properties of poly(lactic acid)/poly(ethylene glycol) blends.Iranian Polymer Journal, 2012, 21(5): 317–323

[61] JingX, MiH Y, PengX F, TurngL S. The morphology, properties, and shape memory behavior of polylactic acid/thermoplastic polyurethane blends.Polymer Engineering and Science, 2015, 55(1): 70–80

[62] YuanD, ChenZ, XuC, ChenK, ChenY. Fully biobased shape memory material based on novel cocontinuous structure in poly(lactic acid)/natural rubber TPVs fabricated via peroxide-induced dynamic vulcanization and in situ interfacial compatibilization.ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering, 2015, 3(11): 2856–2865

[63] TsujimotoT, UyamaH. Full Biobased polymeric material from plant oil and poly(lactic acid) with a shape memory property.ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering, 2014, 2(8): 2057–2062

[64] LaiS M, LanY C. Shape memory properties of melt-blended polylactic acid (PLA)/thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) bio-based blends.Journal of Polymer Research, 2013, 20(5): 140

[65] RajaM, RyuS H, ShanmugharajA M. Thermal, mechanical and electroactive shape memory properties of polyurethane (PU)/poly (lactic acid) (PLA)/CNT nanocomposites.European Polymer Journal, 2013, 49(11): 3492–3500

[66] WangW, PingP, ChenX, JingX. Polylactide-based polyurethane and its shape-memory behavior.European Polymer Journal, 2006, 42(6): 1240–1249

[67] UleryB D, NairL S, LaurencinC T. Biomedical applications of biodegradable polymers.Journal of Polymer Science. Part B, Polymer Physics, 2011, 49(12): 832–864

[68] WoodruffM A, HutmacherD W. The return of a forgotten polymer-polycaprolactone in the 21st century.Progress in Polymer Science, 2010, 35(10): 1217–1256

[69] DarneyP D, MonroeS E, KlaisleC M, AlvaradoA. Clinical evaluation of the Capronor contraceptive implant: Preliminary report.American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 1989, 160(5): 1292–1295

[70] NöChelU, ReddyC S, UttamchandN K, KratzK, BehlM, LendleinA. Shape-memory properties of hydrogels having a poly(ε-caprolactone) crosslinker and switching segment in an aqueous environment.European Polymer Journal, 2013, 49(9): 2457–2466

[71] ChenW C, LaiS M, ChangM Y, LiaoZ C. Preparation and properties of natural rubber (NR)/polycaprolactone (PCL) bio-based shape memory polymer blends.Journal of Macromolecular Science, Part B: Physics, 2014, 53(4): 645–661

[72] MyaK Y, GoseH B, PretschT, BotheM, HeC B. Star-shaped POSS-polycaprolactone polyurethanes and their shape memory performance.Journal of Materials Chemistry, 2011, 21(13): 4827–4836

[73] WengS, XiaZ, ChenJ, GongL. Shape memory properties of polycaprolactone-based polyurethanes prepared by reactive extrusion.Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 2013, 127(1): 748–759

[74] KashifM, YunB, LeeK S, ChangY W. Biodegradable shape-memory poly(ε-caprolactone)/polyhedral oligomeric silsequioxane nanocomposites: Sustained drug release and hydrolytic degradation.Materials Letters, 2016, 166: 125–128

[75] WangW, LiuD, LuL, ChenH, GongT, LvJ, ZhouS. The improvement of the shape memory function of poly(ε-caprolactone)/nano-crystalline cellulose nanocomposites via recrystallization under a high-pressure environment.Journal Materials Chemsitry A, 2016, 4(16): 5984–5992

[76] WangL, YangX, ChenH, GongT, LiW, YangG, ZhouS. Design of triple-shape memory polyurethane with photo-cross-linking of cinnamon groups.ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 2013, 5(21): 10520–10528

[77] WeiM, ZhanM, YuD, XieH, HeM, YangK, WangY. Novel poly(tetramethylene ether)glycol and poly(ε-caprolactone) based dynamic network via quadruple hydrogen bonding with triple-shape effect and self-healing capacity.ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 2015, 7(4): 2585–2596

[78] XiaoL, WeiM, ZhanM, ZhangJ, XieH, DengX, YangK, WangY. Novel triple-shape PCU/PPDO interpenetrating polymer networks constructed by self-complementary quadruple hydrogen bonding and covalent bonding.Polymer Chemistry, 2014, 5(7): 2231–2241

[79] BaiY, JiangC, WangQ, WangT. Multi-shape-memory property study of novel poly(ε-caprolactone)/ethyl cellulose polymer networks.Macromolecular Chemistry and Physics, 2013, 214(21): 2465–2472

[80] LeeK M, KnightP T, ChungT, MatherP T. Polycaprolactone-POSS chemical/physical double networks.Macromolecules, 2008, 41(13): 4730–4738

[81] HongS J, YuW R, YoukJ H. Two-way shape memory behavior of shape memory polyurethanes with a bias load.Smart Materials and Structures, 2010, 19(3): 035022

[82] BakerR M, HendersonJ H, MatherP T. Shape memory poly(ε-caprolactone)-co-poly(ethylene glycol) foams with body temperature triggering and two-way actuation.Journal of Materials Chemistry. B, Materials for Biology and Medicine, 2013, 1(38): 4916

[83] HuangM, DongX, WangL, ZhaoJ, LiuG, WangD. Two-way shape memory property and its structural origin of cross-linked poly(ε-caprolactone).RSC Advances, 2014, 4(98): 55483–55494

[84] PandiniS, BaldiF, PaderniK, MessoriM, ToselliM, PilatiF, GianoncelliA, BrisottoM, BontempiE, RiccòT. One-way and two-way shape memory behaviour of semi-crystalline networks based on sol-gel cross-linked poly(ε-caprolactone).Polymer, 2013, 54(16): 4253–4265

[85] PandiniS, PasseraS, MessoriM, PaderniK, ToselliM, GianoncelliA, BontempiE, RiccòT. Two-way reversible shape memory behaviour of crosslinked poly(ε-caprolactone).Polymer, 2012, 53(9): 1915–1924

[86] RaquezJ M, VanderstappenS, MeyerF, VergeP, AlexandreM, ThomassinJ M, JeromeC, DuboisP. Design of cross-linked semicrystalline poly(ε-caprolactone)-based networks with one-way and two-way shape-memory properties through Diels-Alder reactions.Chemistry, 2011, 17(36): 10135–10143

[87] BaiY, ZhangX, WangQ, WangT. A tough shape memory polymer with triple-shape memory and two-way shape memory properties.Journal of Materials Chemistry. A, Materials for Energy and Sustainability, 2014, 2(13): 4771–4778

[88] ZotzmannJ, BehlM, HofmannD, LendleinA. Reversible triple-shape effect of polymer networks containing polypentadecalactone- and poly(ε-caprolactone)-segments.Advanced Materials, 2010, 22(31): 3424–3429

[89] BehlM, KratzK, ZotzmannJ, NochelU, LendleinA. Reversible bidirectional shape-memory polymers.Advanced Materials, 2013, 25(32): 4466–4469

[90] WuY, HuJ, HanJ, ZhuY, HuangH, LiJ, TangB. Two-way shape memory polymer with “switch-spring” composition by interpenetrating polymer network.Journal of Materials Chemistry. A, Materials for Energy and Sustainability, 2014, 2(44): 18816–18822

[91] GongT, ZhaoK, WangW, ChenH, WangL, ZhouS. Thermally activated reversible shape switch of polymer particles.Journal of Materials Chemistry. B, Materials for Biology and Medicine, 2014, 2(39): 6855–6866

[92] GautrotJ E, ZhuX X. Biodegradable polymers based on bile acids and potential biomedical applications.Journal of Biomaterials Science. Polymer Edition, 2006, 17(10): 1123–1139

[93] GautrotJ E, ZhuX X. Main-chain bile acid based degradable elastomers synthesized by entropy-driven ring-opening metathesis polymerization.Angewandte Chemie International Edition, 2006, 45(41): 6872–6874

[94] GautrotJ E, ZhuX X. Macrocyclic bile acids: From molecular recognition to degradable biomaterial building blocks.Journal of Materials Chemistry, 2009, 19(32): 5705

[95] JiaY G, ZhuX X. Self-healing supramolecular hydrogel made of polymers bearing cholic acid and β-cyclodextrin pendants.Chemistry of Materials, 2015, 27(1): 387–393

[96] GautrotJ E, ZhuX X. High molecular weight bile acid and ricinoleic acid-based copolyesters via entropy-driven ring-opening metathesis polymerisation.Chemical Communications, 2008, (14): 1674–1676

[97] GautrotJ E, ZhuX X. Shape memory polymers based on naturally-occurring bile acids.Macromolecules, 2009, 42(19): 7324–7331

[98] Thérien-AubinH, GautrotJ E, ShaoY, ZhangJ, ZhuX X. Shape memory properties of main chain bile acids polymers.Polymer, 2010, 51(1): 22–25

[99] StrandmanS, TsaiI H, LortieR, ZhuX X. Ring-opening polymerization of bile acid macrocycles by Candida antarctica lipase B.Polymer Chemistry, 2013, 4(16): 4312–4316

[100] ShaoY, LavigueurC, ZhuX X. Multishape memory effect of norbornene-based copolymers with cholic acid pendant groups.Macromolecules, 2012, 45(4): 1924–1930

[101] WangK, JiaY G, ZhuX X. Biocompound-based multiple shape memory polymers reinforced by photo-cross-linking.ACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering, 2015, 1(9): 855–863

[102] SerranoM C, CarbajalL, AmeerG A. Novel biodegradable shape-memory elastomers with drug-releasing capabilities.Advanced Materials, 2011, 23(19): 2211–2215

[103] YangC S, WuH C, SunJ S, HsiaoH M, WangT W. Thermo-induced shape-memory PEG-PCL copolymer as a dual-drug-eluting biodegradable stent.ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 2013, 5(21): 10985–10994

[104] ZhangH, WangH, ZhongW, DuQ. A novel type of shape memory polymer blend and the shape memory mechanism.Polymer, 2009, 50(6): 1596–1601

[105] ChenM C, TsaiH W, ChangY, LaiW Y, MiF L, LiuC T, WongH S, SungH W. Rapidly self-expandable polymeric stents with a shape-memory property.Biomacromolecules, 2007, 8(9): 2774–2780

[106] SmallW L V, WilsonT S, BenettW J, LogeJ M, MaitlandD J. Laser-activated shape memory polymer intravascular thrombectomy device.Optics Express, 2005, 13(20): 8204–8213

[107] BellinI, KelchS, LangerR, LendleinA. Polymeric triple-shape materials.Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 2006, 103(48): 18043–18047

[108] GongT, ZhaoK, LiuX, LuL, LiuD, ZhouS. A dynamically tunable, bioinspired micropatterned surface regulates vascular endothelial and smooth muscle cells growth at vascularization.Small, 2016, 12(41): 5769–5778

[109] KabirM H, HazamaT, WatanabeY, GongJ, MuraseK, SunadaT, FurukawaH. Smart hydrogel with shape memory for biomedical applications.Journal of the Taiwan Institute of Chemical Engineers, 2014, 45(6): 3134–3138

Acknowledgements

Financial support from NSERC of Canada and FQRNT of Quebec is gratefully acknowledged. K. Wang is grateful to the China Scholarship Council for a scholarship. The authors are members of CSACS funded by FQRNT and GRSTB funded by FRSQ.

RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS

2017 Higher Education Press and Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg