Redesigning the modern applied medical sciences and engineering with shape memory polymers

The shape memory polymers (SMPs) are one of the most evolved classes of stimuli-responsive polymers that can attain a temporary shape and retrace back to the original shape when excited with a stimulus. The advantages of these materials being lightweight and possessing high strain recovery ability make them one of the most vogue materials in the realms of applied medical sciences. The following perspective is an author's reflection on how these materials have evolved since its inception. Moreover, the article revisits some of the growing trends in the area of these smart materials, touching upon the latest developments, such as 4D printed SMPs. In an attempt to blend both the applications and the technology, the perspective provides a succinct overview of the expanding boundaries of the SMPs employed to fabricate medical devices.

Automated summary

Shape memory polymers are a highly advanced class of stimuli-responsive polymers that can temporarily change shape and then revert back to their original form. Their lightweight nature and high strain recovery ability have made them increasingly popular in the field of medical sciences. With the emergence of new technologies like 4D printed SMPs, this area is rapidly evolving.