Shape memory biomaterials for biomedical applications

Shape memory biomaterials have promising applications in the treatment of tendon injuries since they can assume a deformed shape, suitable to be implanted by minimal invasive surgery during tendon repair. After placement, they can recover the original shape, suitable to recreate the spatial organization of the original tissue, while supporting the mechanical load until the complete regeneration of the new tissue. The aim of the proposal is the structural characterization by USAXS/SAXS of novel biopolymer-based materials with shape memory properties, also prepared as fibrous scaffolds. The evolution of the structure at different temperatures, above and below the actuation temperature and under mechanical stress will be observed to assess the shape memory properties and the mechanical properties of the biomaterials. Results will help in the multiple-length-scale mechanic analysis of thermoplastic-based scaffolds, able to improve surgical repair or reconstruction of tendons/ligaments.