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.