Development of Polyhydroxyalkanoate-Based Polyurethane with Water-Thermal Response Shape-Memory Behavior as New 3D...

Area of Science:

• Polymer Science
• Biomaterials

Background:

• Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are biodegradable polyesters with potential for advanced material applications.
• Developing novel PHA-based materials with enhanced properties like shape-memory effect (SME) is crucial for expanding their utility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize a novel bio-based polyurethane (PHP) using polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) with shape-memory properties.
• To investigate the thermal and water-responsive shape-memory behavior of the synthesized PHP.
• To explore the potential of PHP for creating 3D scaffolds for biomedical applications.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of PHA-based polyurethane (PHP) using telechelic-hydroxylated polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA-diols) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) as soft segments.
• Evaluation of thermal-responsive shape-memory effect, including shape fixing and shape recovery ratios.
• Assessment of water-responsive properties by measuring changes in storage modulus upon water immersion.
• Demonstration of shape-morphing capabilities for self-folding and self-expansion.

Main Results:

• The synthesized PHP demonstrated a good shape-memory effect with high shape fixing (>99%) and shape recovery ratio (>90%).
• PHP exhibited significant water-responsiveness, with a considerable decrease in storage modulus due to hydrogen bond disruption.
• Rapid shape recovery (less than 10 seconds) was observed upon water immersion.
• The material showed shape-morphing abilities, enabling self-folding and self-expansion into 3D structures.

Conclusions:

• The novel PHA-based polyurethane (PHP) possesses excellent thermal and water-responsive shape-memory properties.
• The rapid recovery and shape-morphing capabilities make PHP a promising candidate for 3D scaffold fabrication in biomedical applications.
• This study highlights the potential of utilizing bio-based PHA for developing advanced functional materials.