Abstract: An enzyme responsive shape memory polymer formed from a glassy, cross-linked shape memory polymer that incorporates ester bonds that are responsive to the present of an enzyme. PCL-based polyurethanes (featuring simple alternation of PCL diol and lysine-based diisocyanate) are degradable by Amano lipase PS. A non-degradable thermoplastic elastomer may be dual electrospun with a polycaprolactone based TPU with the fixing phase compressed so that the composite is ready for enzymatically triggered contraction. Alternatively, the elastomer may be a PCL copolymer-based polyurethane amorphous elastomer that is both degradable and elastomeric and put into compression so that upon enzymatic degradation of the elastomeric phase the scaffold expands.

Abstract: A needle having shaft that forms a tip and a portion proximate to the tip that is formed from a shape memory polymer. The shaft of the needle may be programmed to curl from a straight configuration to a curved configuration upon triggering by heat, thereby moving the sharp tip and providing a non-stick needle for safe and easy disposal.

Abstract: An amorphous, optically transparent, colorless shape memory assisted self-healing coating for optical glassware applications that uses a combination of surface shape memory and self-healing properties to repair damaged sites on glass substrates when exposed to a thermal stimulus. The coating includes a miscible combination of a network polymer and a linear polymer having glass transition temperate between room temperature and about 40 degrees C. The coating can be used for corrective eyewear, for windshields and windows in automobiles and motorcycles, as well for as optical coatings wherever needed.

Abstract: A structural shape memory assisted self-healing polymer formed by laminating thin layers of an ionomer, such as a member of the poly(styrene sulfonate) (PSS) family of ionomers, with a WEGP-type SMP, such as atactic poly(styrene) (PS) with molecular weight in the 200 kDa range (or alternatively poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)) in combination with polycyclooctene (PCO). The self-healing polymer may also comprise an interpenetrating, immiscible polymer network (IPN) based on a blend of polystyrene and polystyrene sulfonate (PSS).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for incorporating dye and/or nanoparticles into polymer films and into electrospun polymeric nanofibers, and, more specifically, to a method for electrospinning a molecularly homogenous solution of dye (and/or nanoparticles) and polymer dissolved in a mutual solvent leading to uniform distribution of dye across the cross-section of each constituent fiber and to resulting nanofibers with the dye/nanoparticles incorporated therein.

Abstract: An enzyme responsive shape memory polymer formed from a glassy, cross-linked shape memory polymer that incorporates ester bonds that are responsive to the present of an enzyme. PCL-based polyurethanes (featuring simple alternation of PCL diol and lysine-based diisocyanate) are degradable by Amano lipase PS. A non-degradable thermoplastic elastomer may be dual electrospun with a polycaprolactone based TPU with the fixing phase compressed so that the composite is ready for enzymatically triggered contraction. Alternatively, the elastomer may be a PCL copolymer-based polyurethane amorphous elastomer that is both degradable and elastomeric and put into compression so that upon enzymatic degradation of the elastomeric phase the scaffold expands.

Abstract: A three component system for repairing critically sized bone defects having a first shape memory polymer (SMP) component formed as a scaffold that fills the defects, a second SMP component formed as a restricting sleeve that stabilizes and supports osseointegration and osteoconduction, and a third SMP component formed as a two-dimensional cell culture substrate for engineering periosteal grafts.

Abstract: A waterborne shape memory polymer coating that gives textiles and fibers good shape memory performance. An amphiphilic, crosslinkable grafted polysaccharide polymer was synthesized and provided in a water dispersion that can be applied to a flexible fibrous material and then crosslinked to yield good shape memory properties. The polymer coating showed good binding to human hair, which could be styled into a permanent shape (e.g., straight) during the crosslinked step. Next, this permanent shape can be styled to a temporary shape (e.g. curly) by heating and styling, and cooling. Finally, the permanent style can be regained by activation with water, heat, or both.

Abstract: A needle having shaft that forms a tip and a portion proximate to the tip that is formed from a shape memory polymer. The shaft of the needle may be programmed to curl from a straight configuration to a curved configuration upon triggering by heat, thereby moving the sharp tip and providing a non-stick needle for safe and easy disposal.

Abstract: A needle having shaft that forms a tip and a portion proximate to the tip that is formed from a shape memory polymer. The shaft of the needle may be programmed to curl from a straight configuration to a curved configuration upon triggering by heat, thereby moving the sharp tip and providing a non-stick needle for safe and easy disposal.

Abstract: A self-replenishing biocompatible hydrogel having a zwitterionic polymer embedded throughout the matrix system to act as a lubricant and a surface modified with the same zwitterionic polymer. When surface material loss occurs in the hydrogel, such as a surface crack or a scratch, the damage propagates through the matrix rupturing the pockets of lubricant. The zwitterionic polymer is then drawn into the site due to the change in entropy at the surface and the positive and negative charge groups of the side chains fuse across the damage cite due to strong electrostatic attraction causing inter-chain association.

Abstract: A triple shape memory polymeric foam that is open cell in nature and features a two phase, crosslinked SMP with a glass transition temperature of one phase at a temperature lower than a melting transition of the second phase. The resulting soft material features high fidelity, repeatable triple shape behavior, and is useful for complex deployment using a combination of foam compression and bending.

Abstract: A shape memory elastomeric composite that has temperature-controlled, shape memory, and reversible adhesive properties, and is soft enough to confirm to an irregular surface. The composite is formed from a synthesized polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane-containing thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer and poly(?-caprolactone) by electrospinning the two components separately and simultaneously and then hot compacting the electrospun composition to form a dense film.

Abstract: Shape memory polymers featuring reversible actuation capability under ambient stimulus for integration with apparel. One approach is to use a multiblock polymer consisting of two (or potentially more) blocks in which the one block is the crystalline switching block with relatively low melting transitions, the other block has a higher thermal transition, and the two blocks are linked together by a linker molecule. Another approach is to use a graft copolymer having high and low melting transitions where the graft copolymer has a first polymer serving as the backbone and a second polymer being grafted to or from the backbone at certain graft locations. A further approach is to use latent crosslinking of a semicrystalline polymer with reactive groups placed on the backbone.

Abstract: A shape memory elastomeric composite that has temperature-controlled, shape memory, and reversible adhesive properties, and is soft enough to confirm to an irregular surface. The composite is formed from a synthesized polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane-containing thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer and poly(?-caprolactone) by electrospinning the two components separately and simultaneously and then hot compacting the electrospun composition to form a dense film.

Abstract: A three component system for repairing critically sized bone defects having a first shape memory polymer (SMP) component formed as a scaffold that fills the defects, a second SMP component formed as a restricting sleeve that stabilizes and supports osseointegration and osteoconduction, and a third SMP component formed as a two-dimensional cell culture substrate for engineering periosteal grafts.

Abstract: A three component system for repairing critically sized bone defects having a first shape memory polymer (SMP) component formed as a scaffold that fills the defects, a second SMP component formed as a restricting sleeve that stabilizes and supports osseointegration and osteoconduction, and a third SMP component formed as a two-dimensional cell culture substrate for engineering periosteal grafts.

Abstract: A triple shape memory polymeric foam that is open cell in nature and features a two phase, crosslinked SMP with a glass transition temperature of one phase at a temperature lower than a melting transition of the second phase. The resulting soft material features high fidelity, repeatable triple shape behavior, and is useful for complex deployment using a combination of foam compression and bending.

Abstract: A self-replenishing biocompatible hydrogel having a zwitterionic polymer embedded throughout the matrix system to act as a lubricant and a surface modified with the same zwitterionic polymer. When surface material loss occurs in the hydrogel, such as a surface crack or a scratch, the damage propagates through the matrix rupturing the pockets of lubricant. The zwitterionic polymer is then drawn into the site due to the change in entropy at the surface and the positive and negative charge groups of the side chains fuse across the damage cite due to strong electrostatic attraction causing inter-chain association.

Abstract: A hydrophobic polymer fiber mat that folds in response to the application of water along a predetermined fold line, thereby allowing for the formation of three-dimensional objects strictly through the targeted application of water. The fiber mat is preferably formed by electrospinning a polymer, such as poly(vinyl acetate), to form mats with average fiber diameters ranging from 0.5 to 1 ?m.