Progress of shape memory polymers in biomedical applications

Abstract

Shape memory polymer has been a new bio-medical smart material. The performances of shape memory polymer can be tailored to meet the multi-requirements of biomedical area. Base on different applications,shape memory polymer can display a deployable property,shape fix and recovery property and controllable shape recovery velocity and shape recovery force. Many triggers can be used by direct or remote way to activate the shape memory properties such as heat,light,electronic,magnetic to achieve the biomedical functions. The shape memory polymers can also be designed to get the biodegradability,biocompatibility,and so on. This paper will review the structure,properties,classification of shape memory polymers and summarise the biomedical applications based on different medical fields and shape memory performances.