WHITAKER INTERNATIONAL FELLOW, 2016
Andrew Weems
- Grantee Type:
- Fellow
- Home Institution:
- Texas A&M University
- Host Country, Institution:
- United Kingdom, University of Warwick
- Year:
- 2016
- Project Title:
- Synthesis of biodegradable shape memory polymers for advanced medical applications
- Project Abstract:
- I propose to develop a novel, hydrolytically degradable shape memory polymurethane (SMP) system that can be processed using stereolithography in the Dove lab at the University of Warwick. This SMP system will then be photocrosslinked into a highly porous tissue scaffold, with long term use intended for a minimally invasive pediatric cardiovascular defect occlusion device. The first half of the project consists of polymer synthesis and characterization for development of a range of SMP compositions with varied degradation rates and thermo-mechanical properties. Stereolithography techniques will be optimized in the second half, to produce scaffolds with varied porosity.