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Smart Structures and Systems Volume 7, Number 3, March 2011 , pages 185-198 DOI: https://doi.org/10.12989/sss.2011.7.3.185 |
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Synthetic bio-actuators and their applications in biomedicine |
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Veronica J. Neiman and Shyni Varghese
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Abstract | ||
The promise of biomimetic smart structures that can function as sensors and actuators in biomedicine is enormous. Technological development in the field of stimuli-responsive shape memory polymers have opened up a new avenue of applications for polymer-based synthetic actuators. Such synthetic actuators mimic various attributes of living organisms including responsiveness to stimuli, shape memory, selectivity, motility, and organization. This article briefly reviews various stimuli-responsive shape memory polymers and their application as bioactuators. Although the technological advancements have prototyped the potential applications of these smart materials, their widespread commercialization depends on many factors such as sensitivity, versatility, moldability, robustness, and cost. | ||
Key Words | ||
smart hydrogels; shape memory polymers; bioactuators; surgical tools; artificial cornea; glucose sensors; artificial muscles; drug delivery. | ||
Address | ||
Veronica J. Neiman and Shyni Varghese : Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, California, USA | ||