| AVS 60th International Symposium and Exhibition | |
| Accelerating Materials Discovery for Global Competitiveness Focus Topic | Friday Sessions |
| Session MG+AS+EM+NS+SA+SE+SP+SS+TF-FrM |
| Session: | Novel Synthesis Approaches and Innovative Characterization Techniques Coupled with Theory & Computations |
| Presenter: | V. Sheares Ashby, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill |
| Correspondent: | Click to Email |
Functionalized Shape Memory Biomaterials
Valerie Sheares Ashby
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Department of Chemistry
Chapel, Hill, NC 27599
919-962-3663(Phone); 919-9625467(Fax)
ashby@email.unc.edu
Shape memory polymers (SMPs) are a class of smart materials that can change their shape in a predetermined fashion when exposed to the appropriate external stimulus. Since Langer and Lendlein first demonstrated the tremendous potential of SMPs in biomedical applications there has been a growing interest in utilizing these materials as intelligent medical devices and minimally-invasive implants. Our research focuses on several areas: micro- and nanotopography, reactive functionality and switching stimuli. Recently, we have developed thermally responsive micro-patterned poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) shape memory films to examine the interaction of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) with dynamic surface patterns using PRINTTM (pattern replication in non-wetting templates). We have also begun research on novel polymer structures containing functionality with the goal of developing SMPs capable of micro- or nanoscopic shape memory and post-functionalization. Finally, there have been several examples of dual (one temporary shape) and triple shape memory (two temporary shapes). Our efforts focus on the synthesis of novel bifunctional monomers and biodegradable polyester prepolymers containing photo-responsive side groups (cinnamamide or cinnamate) using a polycondensation method to allow uniform repeat units each possessing a photo group, followed by end-functionalization and crosslinking to create networks with photo and thermal shape memory switches. The synthesis of these materials, which has led to shape memory polymers with switching temperatures near physiological temperature and unique functionality, in addition to characterization of thermal and shape memory properties, will be presented. Fabrication of the patterned surfaces, initial cytotoxicity and cellular response to dynamic shape switching will also be discussed.