Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Concept Videos

Classification and Mechanical Properties of Synthetic Polymers01:28

Classification and Mechanical Properties of Synthetic Polymers

Synthetic polymers are classified as elastomers, fibers, or plastics based on their crystallinity. Crystallinity, the degree of long-range order in the solid state, influences the mechanical properties (stretching or contracting) of elastomers. Elastomers are flexible polymers that can expand or contract easily upon the application of an external force. They have numerous crosslinks that pull them back into their original shape when stress is removed. Silicones, for instance, are highly elastic...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

Ultrablack, Superhydrophobic Coating for Efficient Anti-Icing and De-Icing in Humid Cold Environments.

ACS applied materials & interfaces·2026
Same author

Inhalable Food-Grade MOFs Loaded Gas Messenger for Acute Lung Injury Treatment by Pulmonary Delivery.

ACS applied materials & interfaces·2025
Same author

Laser-Writing Multicolor Fluorescent Polyurethane for Facile Display and Potential Application in Luminescent Labeling.

ACS applied materials & interfaces·2025
Same author

A hyaluronic acid-modified cyclodextrin self-assembly system for the delivery of β-carotene in the treatment of dry eye disease.

International journal of biological macromolecules·2024
Same author

A Supramolecular Assembly of EGCG for Long-Term Treatment of Allergic Rhinitis.

ACS biomaterials science & engineering·2024
Same author

Double-Layer Hydrogel with Glucose-Activated Two-Stage ROS Regulating Properties for Programmed Diabetic Wound Healing.

ACS applied materials & interfaces·2023
Same journal

Reprocessable Disulfide-Based Vitrimers with Adhesive Properties.

Macromolecular rapid communications·2026
Same journal

Micro- and Nanopatterning of Highly Conductive PEDOT Thin Films.

Macromolecular rapid communications·2026
Same journal

From Molecular Structure to Macroscopic Performance: Insights into Polycarbosilane Curing.

Macromolecular rapid communications·2026
Same journal

High-Yield Synthesis of Molecular Bottlebrushes With Block Copolymer Side Chains by the Copper Superoxido Complex Enabled ATRP via a Grafting-From Approach.

Macromolecular rapid communications·2026
Same journal

Chemically and Mechanically Recyclable Polyolefins Incorporating Covalent Adaptable Networks.

Macromolecular rapid communications·2026
Same journal

Designing Thermally Stable DNA Hydrogels via Entropically-Driven Acridine Intercalation.

Macromolecular rapid communications·2026
See all related articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 23, 2026

Shape Memory Polymers for Active Cell Culture
10:53

Shape Memory Polymers for Active Cell Culture

Published on: July 4, 2011

pH-induced shape-memory polymers.

Xiao-Juan Han1, Zhen-Qiang Dong, Min-Min Fan

  • 1State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Polymer Research Institute of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China.

Macromolecular Rapid Communications
|April 21, 2012
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

A new pH-sensitive shape-memory polymer (SMP) was developed using modified alginates. This biocompatible material offers excellent shape recovery, showing potential for safe and convenient medical applications.

More Related Videos

Fabrication of a Bioactive, PCL-based "Self-fitting" Shape Memory Polymer Scaffold
09:37

Fabrication of a Bioactive, PCL-based "Self-fitting" Shape Memory Polymer Scaffold

Published on: October 23, 2015

Synthesis of Programmable Main-chain Liquid-crystalline Elastomers Using a Two-stage Thiol-acrylate Reaction
11:17

Synthesis of Programmable Main-chain Liquid-crystalline Elastomers Using a Two-stage Thiol-acrylate Reaction

Published on: January 19, 2016

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 23, 2026

Shape Memory Polymers for Active Cell Culture
10:53

Shape Memory Polymers for Active Cell Culture

Published on: July 4, 2011

Fabrication of a Bioactive, PCL-based "Self-fitting" Shape Memory Polymer Scaffold
09:37

Fabrication of a Bioactive, PCL-based "Self-fitting" Shape Memory Polymer Scaffold

Published on: October 23, 2015

Synthesis of Programmable Main-chain Liquid-crystalline Elastomers Using a Two-stage Thiol-acrylate Reaction
11:17

Synthesis of Programmable Main-chain Liquid-crystalline Elastomers Using a Two-stage Thiol-acrylate Reaction

Published on: January 19, 2016

Area of Science:

  • Materials Science
  • Polymer Chemistry
  • Biomedical Engineering

Background:

  • Shape-memory polymers (SMPs) are advanced materials capable of recovering their original shape when subjected to a specific stimulus.
  • Alginate-based polymers offer biocompatibility and biodegradability, making them attractive for various applications, including medical devices.
  • Developing stimuli-responsive SMPs with tunable properties is crucial for expanding their utility in sophisticated applications.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To synthesize and characterize a novel pH-sensitive shape-memory polymer (SMP).
  • To investigate the shape-memory properties and pH-triggered recovery mechanism of the developed polymer.
  • To evaluate the degradability, biocompatibility, and potential medical applications of the new SMP.

Main Methods:

  • Synthesized a novel pH-sensitive SMP by cross-linking β-cyclodextrin modified alginate (β-CD-Alg) and diethylenetriamine modified alginate (DETA-Alg).
  • Utilized pH-reversible β-CD-DETA inclusion complexes as the reversible phase and cross-linked alginate chains as the fixing phase.
  • Assessed shape recovery and fixity ratios at different pH values, along with degradability and biocompatibility tests.

Main Results:

  • The novel SMP exhibited efficient shape recovery and fixity, with ratios of 95.7 ± 0.9% and 94.8 ± 1.1%, respectively.
  • The material could be processed into a temporary shape at pH 11.5 and recover its initial shape at pH 7.
  • Demonstrated good degradability and biocompatibility, indicating suitability for biological environments.

Conclusions:

  • The developed pH-sensitive SMP, based on modified alginates, effectively demonstrates shape-memory properties triggered by pH changes.
  • The material's shape transition pH is close to physiological conditions, enhancing its safety and convenience for medical use.
  • This novel SMP holds significant potential for various medical applications due to its biocompatibility, degradability, and controlled shape-memory behavior.