MATERIALS SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING SEMINAR Tailored Functionality of UV Light-Induced Shape-Memory Polymers for Biomedical Applications by Heather Meredith Ph.D. Prelim Part I Exam Co-Advisors: Prof. J. Wilker Prof. J. Youngblood ABSTRACT Shape-memory polymers (SMPs) are stimuli-sensitive materials. These polymers have the ability to retain a temporary shape and then recover to an original, permanent shape by exposure to heat, pH, magnetic field, electrical current, or moisture. By incorporating photo-responsive groups such as cinnamic acid or coumarin into the polymer backbone, SMPs can also be induced by light. Above a certain wavelength [2+2] cycloaddition of these chromophores occurs, forming photoreversible, covalent crosslinks, which allows for a temporary shape to be fixed. Physical crosslinks or netpoints provide recovery to the permanent shape. Because these polymers can be activated at ambient temperatures they are very attractive for biomedical applications. To further broaden the use of light-induced SMPs, biodegradable polyester segments can be incorporated into the backbone, providing a class of bioresorbable polymers. This presentation will discuss the shape memory effect and degradation profile of polymeric systems from three investigators and will also propose the use of one of these systems for a novel tissue engineering scaffold. Date: Thursday, August 16, 2012 Time: 10:00 A.M. Place: ARMS 1109 Lisa Stacey Secretary/Development Assistant Purdue University School of Materials Engineering 765/494-4100