Shape Memory Foams of Microbial Polyester for Biomedical Applications

Foams of polycaprolactone (PCL) and microbial polyester (poly-hydroxybutyrate-hydroxyvalerate, PHBV with 10% mol PHV) were produced by particulate leaching in an urea preform and subsequent preform dissolution in distilled water. Films were also cast to compare mechanical and shape memory performances. SEM observations of foam sections showed that a homogenous microstructure was obtained with good replication of urea particles. Cylindrical PHBV samples (porosity about 90%) were used for shape memory tests in compression mode and a good behavior was observed. After training, 100% shape recovery can be achieved if a maximum 30% compression is applied.