Functionalization of biomaterials aims at predetermining their behavior and fate in application relevant environments. Various chemistry-based approaches are established such as covalent coupling of bioactive molecules or incorporation of easily cleavable bonds in polymers. The shape-memory effect (SME) is a function, which can be implemented in polymers by physical manipulation. As this memory can be recalled, deleted or changed, this process is named programming (1). The SME of biomaterials allows remotely induced shape-changes of devices (e.g. for minimally-invasive surgery) or an on demand release of drugs by squeezing out a load from a shape-memory microcontainer (2). Semi-crystalline polymer networks with a broad melting temperature range can even be programmed to become soft actuators, whose reversible movement is controlled by temperature. Recently, a programmable bioinstructivity could be achieved for a polymeric sheet actuator, which is used as an active substrate for mesenchymal stem cells (3). Exposure of MSCs to the synchronized thermal and mechanical signals accelerated the cell differentiation toward osteogenic lineage. This technology has great potential in the treatment of complex bone defects by tissue engineering of periosteum.  <br/>

Programming biomaterials:  Design and strategies

ACS Fall 2020 Virtual Meeting

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.