<i>Star</i>-PCL shape memory polymer (SMP) scaffolds with tunable transition temperatures for enhanced utility.

ABSTRACT: Thermoresponsive shape memory polymers (SMPs) prepared from UV-curable poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) macromers have the potential to create self-fitting bone scaffolds, self-expanding vaginal stents, and other shape-shifting devices. To ensure tissue safety during deployment, the shape actuation temperature (i.e., the melt transition temperature or T_m of PCL) must be reduced from ∼55 °C that is observed for scaffolds prepared from linear-PCL-DA (M_n ∼ 10 kg mol^-1). Moreover, increasing the rate of biodegradation would be advantageous, facilitating bone tissue healing and potentially eliminating the need for stent retrieval. Herein, a series of six UV-curable PCL macromers were prepared with linear or 4-arm star architec

SUBMITTER: Roberts CT 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11022546 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature