With actuation capabilities that respond to temperature or light, the potential uses for shape memory polymers (SMPs) in the biomedical arena are on the rise. This article describes current and potential future uses of SMPs for medical devices.

Because the photopolymerization of gelatin methacrylate can be spatially and temporally controlled, it can be fabricated into hydrogels well suited to a variety of biomedical applications.

This article explores two case studies regarding use of materials data and software educational tools to analyze biocompatibility related to implantable medical devices. The example applications are glass-ceramic scaffolds and suture anchor implants.

Improving the mechanical properties and wear resistance of polymers used as implant bearing materials requires new approaches and modern technology. This article describes recent work on translating novel materials and coatings into clinical practice to reduce risks and significantly improve orthopedic implant fixation and longevity.

This article is a case study in using laser sintering additive manufacturing of PEKK (polyether-ketone-ketone) to manufacture a patient-specific cranial implant.

Researchers at the University of Akron have developed a high-resolution characterization system that incorporates six gel permeation chromatography columns, two light scattering detectors, a refractive index sensor, and a viscometer. The new system facilitates the study of separated macromolecules and is expected to play a role in the development of safer biopolymers for breast implants.