(FYP) Neo TX, Jordon
Short video
Real-time video
Fabrication of thin film TPU
Wave shaped
Short video
Real-time video
Spiral shaped
Short video
Real-time video
Amos Lim XQ (FYP)
​Electrospun two layered PU: rolling/twisting in ethanol and hardening in water
(FYP) Ng JH
(FYP) Siah ZZ
Rapid shape fixitation in water
​(after wetting in ethanol for 3 mins)

PU MM5520 (thermoplastic)

PU foam (thermoset)

Rapid shape fixitation and hardening in water
​(after wetting in ethanol  for softening)
​Rapid water-triggered hardening of ethanol-softened shape memory polyurethane for shape fixation and minimally invasive biomedical applications

Rapid water-triggered hardening of ethanol-softened shape memory polyurethane for shape fixation and minimally invasive biomedical applications

​This study presents a rapid water-triggered hardening strategy for ethanol-softened shape memory polyurethanes (SMPU), including thermoset foams and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) films/membranes. The SMPU foam, once softened by 70 % ethanol, becomes highly compressible for minimally invasive delivery. Subsequent immersion in water effectively removes ethanol and restores mechanical stiffness of the foam within minutes, with the Young’s modulus increasing from 0.001 MPa (softened state) to over 0.8 MPa after 5 min—far surpassing air drying alone. This ethanol–water exchange mechanism enables shape fixation without the need for thermal activation or toxic solvents. The concept is further validated in TPU films and electrospun membranes, which exhibit localized and programmable shape recovery under similar treatment. In vascular phantom models, the SMPU foam demonstrates conformal filling of aneurysmal geometries with secure fixation post-hardening. These findings suggest a solvent-responsive, biocompatible platform suitable for embolization and other minimally invasive biomedical applications, offering a safer and faster alternative to traditional shape memory approaches.
4D printed hydrogel scaffold with swelling stiffening properties and programmable deformation for minimally invasive implantation
​Nature Communications 2024
通过其具有的体温响应形状记忆效应使2D打印图案可固定为临时的一维（1D）形状，便于经导管输送。植入后，体温触发1D形状恢复到至初始2D图案。同时，在组织中吸水溶胀后，支架基于预设的溶胀失配结构自发变形成不同的3D结构。此外，溶胀引发亲水链段和疏水链段之间水驱动的微相分离，实现软到硬的转变
​based on the reported data, the storage modulus (E′) of the scaffold roughly doubles when immersed in water (depending on PEG content and formulation):
  • For the representative composition (PCL/PEG-2000/DA-diol):
    • Dry state: ~1 MPa
    • Fully hydrated: ~2 MPa (≈ 2× increase)
  • For some formulations with higher PEG content, the increase can be larger (e.g. ~1.3× up to ~2.9×, as noted in the text and Supplementary Figs).
So the magnitude of stiffening is modest (not orders of magnitude), but the direction is the key novelty:
  • Most hydrogels soften upon hydration, while this system stiffens, which is counter-intuitive and useful for implants that need mechanical support after deployment.
​Shape Memory Medical stands alone in our development and vision for smart polymer advancement. Shape Memory Medical is reshaping clinical success through the science of smart polymer. We will continue to drive a cross-specialty portfolio to meet the demands of procedures today and tomorrow. We are the first medical device company to introduce an FDA-cleared medical device utilizing shape memory polymer (SMP) technology to a vascular market.
Patent marking
​记忆性聚合物填充动脉瘤