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PubMed · 11976407

Biodegradable, elastic shape-memory polymers for potential biomedical applications.

Andreas Lendlein·Robert Langer
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Abstract

The introduction of biodegradable implant materials as well as minimally invasive surgical procedures in medicine has substantially improved health care within the past few decades. This report describes a group of degradable thermoplastic polymers that are able to change their shape after an increase in temperature. Their shape-memory capability enables bulky implants to be placed in the body through small incisions or to perform complex mechanical deformations automatically. A smart degradable suture was created to illustrate the potential of these shape-memory thermoplastics in biomedical applications.

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AnimalsBiocompatible MaterialsChemical PhenomenaChemistry, PhysicalDioxanesElasticityElastomersIsocyanatesMechanicsPolyestersPolymersProstheses and ImplantsRatsStress, MechanicalSuturesTemperatureThermodynamicsJournal ArticleResearch Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

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Andreas Lendlein, Robert Langer. 2002-04-25. Biodegradable, elastic shape-memory polymers for potential biomedical applications.. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1066102

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