2024 journal article

Synthesis of shape-programmable elastomer for a bioresorbable, wireless nerve stimulator

BIOSENSORS & BIOELECTRONICS, 254.

By: J. Lim *, W. Han *, T. Jang *, G. Ko *, J. Shin *, S. Han *, H. Kang *, C. Eom * ...

author keywords: Biodegradable polymers; Shape-transformable elastomers; Shape memory; Self-adhesion; Nerve stimulators
UN Sustainable Development Goal Categories
7. Affordable and Clean Energy (OpenAlex)
Source: Web Of Science
Added: June 11, 2024

Materials that have the ability to manipulate shapes in response to stimuli such as heat, light, humidity and magnetism offer a means for versatile, sophisticated functions in soft robotics or biomedical implants, while such a reactive transformation has certain drawbacks including high operating temperatures, inherent rigidity and biological hazard. Herein, we introduce biodegradable, self-adhesive, shape-transformable poly (L-lactide-co-ε-caprolactone) (BSS-PLCL) can be triggered via thermal stimulation near physiological temperature (∼38 °C). Chemical inspections confirm the fundamental properties of the synthetic materials in diverse aspects, and study on mechanical and biochemical characteristics validates exceptional stretchability up to 800 % and tunable dissolution behaviors under biological conditions. The integration of the functional polymer with a bioresorbable electronic system highlights potential for a wide range of biomedical applications.