Redox- and Glucose-Induced Shape-Memory Polymers

A novel redox-induced shape-memory polymer (SMP) is prepared by crosslinking -cyclodextrin modified chitosan (-CD-CS) and ferrocene modified branched ethylene imine polymer (Fc-PEI). The resulting -CD-CS/Fc-PEI contains two crosslinks: reversible redox-sensitive -CD-Fc inclusion complexes serving as reversible phases, and covalent crosslinks serving as fixing phases. It is shown that this material can be processed into temporary shapes as needed in the reduced state and recovers its initial shape after oxidation. The recovery ratio and the fixity ratio are both above 70%. Furthermore, after entrapping glucose oxidase (GOD) in the system, the material shows a shape memory effect in response to glucose. The recovery ratio and the fixity ratio are also above 70%.