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.