Smart implant materials.
The combination of stimuli-sensitive implant materials and minimally invasive surgery techniques is expected to give rise to numerous applications. Biodegradable thermoplastic elastomers are presented here as an example of a group of biodegradable implant materials with shape-memory properties. Their capabilities and use in a smart suture are described.
Lendlein
A
A
GKSS Research Centre, Geesthacht GmbH, institute of Chemistry, Teltow, Germany. lendlein@gkss.de
Kratz
K
K
Kelch
S
S
D020341:Absorbable Implants; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000528:radiation effects; D004548:Elasticity; D008422:Materials Testing; D008968:Molecular Conformation; D011108:Polymers / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000528:radiation effects; D013696:Temperature
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D011108:Polymers