Thermal triggering on plasticized shape memory polyurethane actuators and its tubes target to biomedical applications

In this study, a tube actuator was successfully fabricated by incorporating shape memory polyurethane (SMPU) with dibutyl adipate (DBA) plasticizer, which distinctly produces softness and glass transition temperature switching close to human body temperature. The plasticized SMPU tube was activated at 37 degrees C, which is faster than the pure SMPU tube. The effect of thermal triggering on tensile and viscoelastic properties was investigated. Adding DBA plasticizers to SMPU demonstrated a quicker recovery rate than pure SMPU during tube compression and expansion. In addition, according to thermomechanical analysis results, the shape recovery ratio of the DBA plasticizer-doped tube is up to 83%, and its shape recovery ratio during tensile deformation is up to 99%. Particularly, mouse cell adhesions and proliferation on SMPU-DBA gel provide biocompatibility and nontoxicity. The bio-based mechanical properties of the tube make sensing under human temperature control an appealing possibility. The developed tube actuators can be used as artificial blood vessels and in other clinical applications. (c) 2021 Published by Elsevier B.V.

Automated summary

A tube actuator was successfully fabricated by incorporating SMPU with DBA plasticizer, producing softness and glass transition temperature close to human body temperature. The addition of DBA plasticizer to SMPU resulted in a faster recovery rate and a shape recovery ratio of up to 83%. The biocompatibility and non-toxicity of the tube make it a promising candidate for clinical applications.