Nerve Response to Superelastic Shape Memory Polyurethane Aerogels.

ABSTRACT: We have previously shown the suitability of aerogels as scaffolds for neuronal cells. Here, we report on the use of superelastic shape memory polyurethane aerogels (SSMPA). SSMPA have a distinctly different stiffness than previously reported aerogels. The soft and deformable nature of SSMPA allowed for radial compression of the aerogel induced by a custom designed apparatus. This radial compression changed the pore diameter and surface roughness (Sa) of SSMPA, while maintaining similar stiffness. Two varieties of SSMPA were used, Mix-14 and Mix-18, with distinctly different pore diameters and Sa. Radial compression led to a decreased pore diameter, which, in turn, decreased the Sa. The use of custom designed apparatus and two types of SSMPA allowed us to examine the influence of stiffness,

SUBMITTER: Sala MR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7765513 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature