Shape memory polyurethane synthesis using glycerol as chain extender for biomedical applications

Abstract

Incorporation of shape memory polymers into biomedical devices is an attractive option due to their notable advantages of low cost, biocompatibility, tunable degradability, patient-specific design and adjustable mechanical and thermal properties. Shape memory polyurethanes are particularly attractive due to their extensive temperature range for shape recovery as well as the ability to fine-tune the glass transition temperature. This study aimed to synthesize a shape memory polyurethane using glycerol as chain extender with a glass transition temperature within a suitable temperature range for biomedical applications. The results showed that the triggering temperatures for the synthesized samples change between 63.95 °C and 88.21 °C. Shape memory properties were investigated for the temperature range 40–75 °C. Shape recovery times were found to be substantial with increasing temperature with ~102 s at 40 °C and ~1 s at 75 °C. Shape fixity and shape recovery rates for the same temperature ranges were 77.8% and 85.6% at 40 °C and 100% and 100% for 75 °C. The cytotoxicity assay indicates promising biocompatibility of the synthesized material for biomedical purposes. Overall, the synthesized polymers were found to be a potential candidate for biomedical applications such as stents, aneurysm filling or occlusion devices. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.