Abstract
Specific biodegradable polymers having shape-memory properties through "polymer-blend" method are investigated and their shape-switching in body temperature (37 °C) is characterized. Poly(L-lactide-co-caprolactone) (PLCL) and poly(L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) are dissolved in chloroform and the films of several blending ratios of PLCL/PLGA are prepared by solvent casting. The shape-memory properties of films are also examined using dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). Among the blending ratios, the PLCL50/PLGA50 film shows good performance of shape-fixity and shape-recovery based on glass transition temperature. It displays that the degree of shape recovery is 100% at 37 °C and the shape recovery proceeds within only 15 s. In vitro biocompatibility studies are shown to have good blood compatibility and cytocompatibility for the PLCL50/PLGA50 films. It is expected that this blended biodegradable polymer can be potentially used as a material for blood-contacting medical devices such as a self-expended vascular polymer stents and vascular closure devices in biomedical applications.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 667-678 |
Number of pages | 12 |
Journal | Macromolecular Bioscience |
Volume | 14 |
Issue number | 5 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2014 May |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- biodegradable polymers
- biomedical applications
- glass transition temperature
- polymer blends
- shape memory polymers
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Biotechnology
- Bioengineering
- Biomaterials
- Polymers and Plastics
- Materials Chemistry