Thermally drawn shape and stiffness programmable fibers for medical devices
Author(s)
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Despite the significant advantages of Shape Memory Polymers (SMPs), material processing and production challenges have limited their applications. Recent advances in fiber manufacturing offer a novel approach to processing polymers, broadening the functions of fibers beyond optical applications. In this study, a thermal drawing technique for SMPs to fabricate Shape Memory Polymer Fibers (SMPFs) tailored for medical applications, featuring programmable stiffness and shape control is developed. Rheological and differential scanning calorimetry analyses are conducted to assess SMP's compatibility with the proposed thermal drawing process and applications, leading to the production of multilumen, multimaterial SMPFs activated at body temperature. Different properties of SMPFs are investigated in three medical devices: stiffness-adjustable catheters, softening neural interface, and shape-programmable cochlear implants. Comprehensive characterization of these devices demonstrates the potential of thermally drawn SMPs to be employed in a wide range of applications demanding programmable mechanical properties.
Date Issued
2025-04-15
Date Acceptance
2024-12-01
Citation
Advanced Healthcare Materials, 2025, 14 (10)
ISSN
2192-2640
Publisher
Wiley
Journal / Book Title
Advanced Healthcare Materials
Volume
14
Issue
10
Copyright Statement
© 2024 The Author(s). Advanced Healthcare Materials published by Wiley-VCH GmbH This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
License URL
Identifier
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/39737668
Subjects
medical application
multimaterial fiber
programmable fiber
shape memory polymer
thermal drawing
Polymers
Temperature
Smart Materials
Rheology
Equipment and Supplies
Cochlear Implants
Calorimetry, Differential Scanning
Publication Status
Published
Coverage Spatial
Germany
Article Number
2403235
Date Publish Online
2024-12-31