Research Progress of Shape Memory Polymer and 4D Printing in Biomedical Application

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Materials Science
• Polymer Science

Background:

• Shape memory polymers (SMPs) are smart materials with significant potential in the biomedical field.
• SMP-based devices offer advantages over traditional metal implants, including adaptive tissue matching, enhanced biocompatibility, and tunable biodegradability.
• The mechanical properties of SMPs can be precisely regulated to better integrate with surrounding tissues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize the applications of SMPs and 4D printing technology in biomedical engineering.
• To explore the use of these technologies in bone tissue scaffolds, tracheal scaffolds, and drug release systems.
• To analyze current challenges and future prospects for SMPs in biomedical applications.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on SMPs and 4D printing in biomedical applications.
• Analysis of the characteristics and advantages of SMP-based biomedical devices.
• Discussion of specific applications including bone tissue scaffolds, tracheal scaffolds, and drug delivery.

Main Results:

• SMPs demonstrate adaptive abilities for improved tissue integration post-minimally invasive implantation.
• SMPs exhibit superior biocompatibility and adjustable biodegradability compared to conventional materials.
• 4D printing facilitates personalized customization, overcoming previous technical limitations in the biomedical field.

Conclusions:

• SMPs and 4D printing technology hold substantial promise for advancing personalized medicine in areas like tissue engineering and drug delivery.
• Further research and development are needed to address existing challenges and fully realize the potential of SMPs in biomedical engineering.
• This review provides a foundation for future discussions and applications of SMPs in the biomedical domain.