Thermally and Photothermally Triggered Cytocompatible Triple-Shape-Memory Polymer Based on a Graphene...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Triple-shape-memory polymers (triple-SMPs) can recover two temporary shapes sequentially.
• Existing triple-SMPs lack cytocompatible dual-stimuli for sequential shape changes.
• Biomedical applications require materials with controlled, sequential shape recovery under cell-friendly conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and characterize a cytocompatible triple-SMP material.
• To demonstrate sequential shape changes using distinct thermal and light triggers.
• To evaluate the material's performance and cytocompatibility for biomedical applications.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a composite material with a thermally triggered component (tert-butyl acrylate-butyl acrylate matrix) and a photothermally triggered component (poly(ε-caprolactone) fibers with graphene oxide).
• Characterization of thermal properties, surface morphology, and shape-memory performance.
• Assessment of cytocompatibility using cell viability assays during shape change.

Main Results:

• The developed triple-SMP exhibited sequential shape recovery triggered by distinct thermal and light stimuli.
• A larger thermal shape change (20.4 ± 4.2% strain recovered) was followed by a smaller photothermal shape change (3.5 ± 0.8% strain recovered).
• Cell viability remained above 95% on the triple-SMP material during shape change, confirming cytocompatibility.

Conclusions:

• A novel cytocompatible triple-SMP material capable of dual-sequential shape changes using thermal and photothermal triggers was successfully developed.
• The material demonstrates significant potential for integration into biomedical devices and strategies requiring controlled shape manipulation.
• This work establishes the feasibility of using triple-shape memory effects in cytocompatible environments for advanced biomedical applications.