Biodegradable Shape Memory Polymers

Details

Project Title Biodegradable Shape Memory Polymers

Track Code UML 2011-003

Short Description A simple method of synthesizing different novel copolymers of e-

caprolactone (PCL) with cross-linkable groups

Abstract

Tags Shape Memory

Polymers, biodegrability, biomedical, biocompatibility, shape change

Posted Date May 16, 2013 10:40 PM

Background
Shape memory alloys (SMAs), such as TiNi alloys, are used widely in diverse biomedical applications such as
urethra arterial stent for enlarged prostates, guide wires and orthodontic wires due to their unique properties like
shape memory effects, high strength and excellent biocompatibility. However, these alloys possess
disadvantages such as high manufacturing costs, limited variability in mechanical properties, and lack of
biodegradability which limits their use in critical biomedical applications like laparoscopic surgeries.
Recently, biodegradable shape-memory polymers (SMPs) have attracted the world’s attention with development
of several novel kinds of biodegradable polymers. SMPs belong to a class of smart materials that change their
shape when excited by an external stimulus which can be light, heat, pH, magnetic field, moisture or solvent.
However, the synthesis and post treatment methods to generate these polymers are complicated combined with
the fact that their mechanical properties are insufficient for various biomedical applications. A great need therefore
exists to develop novel SMPs with tunable combinations of thermal, mechanical and biodegradation properties
leading to better processibility, biocompatibility, lower modulus and faster controlled release profiles.
Technology
Researchers at UMass Lowell have developed a simple method of synthesizing different novel copolymers of e-
caprolactone (PCL) with cross-linkable groups [1]. Compared to existing synthesis methods, this unique process
utilizes UV-crosslinking and avoids use of toxic cross-linkers like peroxide. An advantage of using UV-cross-
linking is that it ensures that no unreacted reactants or byproducts of the reaction are present in the final product.
Further, this general strategy of synthesis can be applied to any polymer which contains α-hydrogen. The PCL
copolymers synthesized demonstrate shape memory recovery and initial mechanical studies have been
completed successfully. Further physical characterization and biodegradability studies are in progress.
Figure 1. Schematic of proposed mechanism for structural changes in the polymer during shape memory
transformation. PCL segments form the crystalline domains while PCCL segments form the amorphous domain
Applications

 The PCL copolymers exhibit thermally induced shape-memory properties making them suitable for
use in multiple biomedical applications like stents, catheters, coatings, vascular filters, clamps and
cochlear implants.
 Biomedical devices like stents can be manufactured in temporary shapes suitable for easy
placement inside a patient’s body. Once the device is placed at desired location, it can be
manipulated to switch to its final shape by application of an external stimulus
 Use in biodetection systems like valves
 Use In bioanalytical systems for pathogen detection, in bioreactors
 As micro-pumps and valves for use in MEMS systems
 Improved micro-grippers and positioning devices, release devices, actuators, sensors, optical
components such as lenses and waveguides, and myriad other consumer and industrial applications

Competitive Advantages

 Novel Material Properties

o The mechanical properties, biodegradability and the transient temperature can be tuned by
macromolecular engineering
o The transition temperature is close to body temperature thereby making it more compatible
for tissue-engineering
o Unlike conventional SMPs, the new material is translucent, rubbery making it suitable for
uses that respond to issues of mechanical modulus, strength, optical clarity and radiological
contrast

 Unique biomedical applications

o SMPs offer the ability to promote minimally invasive surgery, provide structural support,
exert stabilizing forces, elute therapeutic agents, and offers biodegradable properties

 FDA approved polymers

o Using biodegradable FDA approved polymer (PCL) as starting material, PCL copolymers
can be made biocompatible, making them suitable for multiple biomedical applications

Market Potential
US medical devices market is valued at $100 billion with surgical appliances and supplies (specially stents)
constitute 28% and dental products constitute 4% of total. The global orthopedic device market will be around $23
billion with US market share of $16.7 billion by 2012. The US biomaterials market is expected to reach $8.23
billion by 2013. The global stent market is estimated to be at least $2 billion annually.
About the Inventors
The biodegradable PCL copolymers have been developed jointly by Bridgette M. Budhlall, Assistant Professor in
Plastics Engineering, and Amit L. Garle, Graduate Student in Plastics Engineering at UMass Lowell.
References
[1] Garle, A., Kong, S., Budhlall, B. (2010) Design and Synthesis of a novel biodegradable polymer for biomedical
applications.Polymer Preprints, 51(2), 55
Contact
Rajnish Kaushik, PhD
Licensing Manager
Commercial Ventures and Intellectual Property (CVIP)
University of Massachusetts Lowell, 600 Suffolk Street
2nd Floor, Lowell, MA 01854
Phone: 978-934-4708
Rajnish_Kaushik@uml.edu
www.uml.edu/cvip