@article{WangKratzBehletal.2015, author = {Wang, Weiwei and Kratz, Karl and Behl, Marc and Yan, Wan and Liu, Yue and Xu, Xun and Baudis, Stefan and Li, Zhengdong and Kurtz, Andreas and Lendlein, Andreas and Ma, Nan}, title = {The interaction of adipose-derived human mesenchymal stem cells and polyether ether ketone}, series = {Clinical hemorheology and microcirculation : blood flow and vessels}, volume = {61}, journal = {Clinical hemorheology and microcirculation : blood flow and vessels}, number = {2}, publisher = {IOS Press}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {1386-0291}, doi = {10.3233/CH-152001}, pages = {301 -- 321}, year = {2015}, abstract = {Polyether ether ketone (PEEK) as a high-performance, thermoplastic implant material entered the field of medical applications due to its structural function and commercial availability. In bone tissue engineering, the combination of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) with PEEK implants may accelerate the bone formation and promote the osseointegration between the implant and the adjacent bone tissue. In this concept the question how PEEK influences the behaviour and functions of MSCs is of great interest. Here the cellular response of human adipose-derived MSCs to PEEK was evaluated and compared to tissue culture plate (TCP) as the reference material. Viability and morphology of cells were not altered when cultured on the PEEK film. The cells on PEEK presented a high proliferation activity in spite of a relatively lower initial cell adhesion rate. There was no significant difference on cell apoptosis and senescence between the cells on PEEK and TCP. The inflammatory cytokines and VEGF secreted by the cells on these two surfaces were at similar levels. The cells on PEEK showed up-regulated BMP2 and down-regulated BMP4 and BMP6 gene expression, whereas no conspicuous differences were observed in the committed osteoblast markers (BGLAP, COL1A1 and Runx2). With osteoinduction the cells on PEEK and TCP exhibited a similar osteogenic differentiation potential. Our results demonstrate the biofunctionality of PEEK for human MSC cultivation and differentiation. Its clinical benefits in bone tissue engineering may be achieved by combining MSCs with PEEK implants. These data may also provide useful information for further modification of PEEK with chemical or physical methods to regulate the cellular processes of MSCs and to consequently improve the efficacy of MSC-PEEK based therapies.}, language = {en} } @article{NeffevonRuestenLangeBrauneetal.2014, author = {Neffe, Axel T. and von R{\"u}sten-Lange, Maik and Braune, Steffen and L{\"u}tzow, Karola and Roch, Toralf and Richau, Klaus and Kr{\"u}ger, Anne and Becherer, Tobias and Th{\"u}nemann, Andreas F. and Jung, Friedrich and Haag, Rainer and Lendlein, Andreas}, title = {Multivalent grafting of hyperbranched oligo- and polyglycerols shielding rough membranes to mediate hemocompatibility}, series = {Journal of materials chemistry : B, Materials for biology and medicine}, volume = {2}, journal = {Journal of materials chemistry : B, Materials for biology and medicine}, number = {23}, publisher = {Royal Society of Chemistry}, address = {Cambridge}, issn = {2050-750X}, doi = {10.1039/c4tb00184b}, pages = {3626 -- 3635}, year = {2014}, abstract = {Hemocompatible materials are needed for internal and extracorporeal biomedical applications, which should be realizable by reducing protein and thrombocyte adhesion to such materials. Polyethers have been demonstrated to be highly efficient in this respect on smooth surfaces. Here, we investigate the grafting of oligo- and polyglycerols to rough poly(ether imide) membranes as a polymer relevant to biomedical applications and show the reduction of protein and thrombocyte adhesion as well as thrombocyte activation. It could be demonstrated that, by performing surface grafting with oligo-and polyglycerols of relatively high polydispersity (>1.5) and several reactive groups for surface anchoring, full surface shielding can be reached, which leads to reduced protein adsorption of albumin and fibrinogen. In addition, adherent thrombocytes were not activated. This could be clearly shown by immunostaining adherent proteins and analyzing the thrombocyte covered area. The presented work provides an important strategy for the development of application relevant hemocompatible 3D structured materials.}, language = {en} } @misc{NeffevonRuestenLangeBrauneetal.2014, author = {Neffe, Axel T. and von R{\"u}sten-Lange, Maik and Braune, Steffen and L{\"u}tzow, Karola and Roch, Toralf and Richau, Klaus and Kr{\"u}ger, Anne and Becherer, Tobias and Th{\"u}nemann, Andreas F. and Jung, Friedrich and Haag, Rainer and Lendlein, Andreas}, title = {Multivalent grafting of hyperbranched oligo- and polyglycerols shielding rough membranes to mediate hemocompatibility}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus4-99444}, year = {2014}, abstract = {Hemocompatible materials are needed for internal and extracorporeal biomedical applications, which should be realizable by reducing protein and thrombocyte adhesion to such materials. Polyethers have been demonstrated to be highly efficient in this respect on smooth surfaces. Here, we investigate the grafting of oligo- and polyglycerols to rough poly(ether imide) membranes as a polymer relevant to biomedical applications and show the reduction of protein and thrombocyte adhesion as well as thrombocyte activation. It could be demonstrated that, by performing surface grafting with oligo- and polyglycerols of relatively high polydispersity (>1.5) and several reactive groups for surface anchoring, full surface shielding can be reached, which leads to reduced protein adsorption of albumin and fibrinogen. In addition, adherent thrombocytes were not activated. This could be clearly shown by immunostaining adherent proteins and analyzing the thrombocyte covered area. The presented work provides an important strategy for the development of application relevant hemocompatible 3D structured materials.}, language = {en} } @misc{BalkGrijpmaLendlein2017, author = {Balk, Maria and Grijpma, Dirk W. and Lendlein, Andreas}, title = {Design and processing of advanced functional polymers for medicine}, series = {Polymers for advanced technologies}, volume = {28}, journal = {Polymers for advanced technologies}, publisher = {Wiley}, address = {Hoboken}, issn = {1042-7147}, doi = {10.1002/pat.3980}, pages = {1203 -- 1205}, year = {2017}, language = {en} } @article{LendleinBalkTarazonaetal.2019, author = {Lendlein, Andreas and Balk, Maria and Tarazona, Natalia A. and Gould, Oliver E. C.}, title = {Bioperspectives for Shape-Memory Polymers as Shape Programmable, Active Materials}, series = {Biomacromolecules : an interdisciplinary journal focused at the interface of polymer science and the biological sciences}, volume = {20}, journal = {Biomacromolecules : an interdisciplinary journal focused at the interface of polymer science and the biological sciences}, number = {10}, publisher = {American Chemical Society}, address = {Washington}, issn = {1525-7797}, doi = {10.1021/acs.biomac.9b01074}, pages = {3627 -- 3640}, year = {2019}, abstract = {Within the natural world, organisms use information stored in their material structure to generate a physical response to a wide variety of environmental changes. The ability to program synthetic materials to intrinsically respond to environmental changes in a similar manner has the potential to revolutionize material science. By designing polymeric devices capable of responsively changing shape or behavior based on information encoded into their structure, we can create functional physical behavior, including a shape memory and an actuation capability. Here we highlight the stimuli-responsiveness and shape-changing ability of biological materials and biopolymer-based materials, plus their potential biomedical application, providing a bioperspective on shape-memory materials. We address strategies to incorporate a shape memory (actuation) function in polymeric materials, conceptualized in terms of its relationship with inputs (environmental stimuli) and outputs (shape change). Challenges and opportunities associated with the integration of several functions in a single material body to achieve multifunctionality are discussed. Finally, we describe how elements that sense, convert, and transmit stimuli have been used to create multisensitive materials.}, language = {en} } @article{MoradianLendleinGossen2020, author = {Moradian, Hanieh and Lendlein, Andreas and Gossen, Manfred}, title = {Strategies for simultaneous and successive delivery of RNA}, series = {Journal of molecular medicine}, volume = {98}, journal = {Journal of molecular medicine}, number = {12}, publisher = {Springer}, address = {Heidelberg}, issn = {0946-2716}, doi = {10.1007/s00109-020-01956-1}, pages = {1767 -- 1779}, year = {2020}, abstract = {Advanced non-viral gene delivery experiments often require co-delivery of multiple nucleic acids. Therefore, the availability of reliable and robust co-transfection methods and defined selection criteria for their use in, e.g., expression of multimeric proteins or mixed RNA/DNA delivery is of utmost importance. Here, we investigated different co- and successive transfection approaches, with particular focus on in vitro transcribed messenger RNA (IVT-mRNA). Expression levels and patterns of two fluorescent protein reporters were determined, using different IVT-mRNA doses, carriers, and cell types. Quantitative parameters determining the efficiency of co-delivery were analyzed for IVT-mRNAs premixed before nanocarrier formation (integrated co-transfection) and when simultaneously transfecting cells with separately formed nanocarriers (parallel co-transfection), which resulted in a much higher level of expression heterogeneity for the two reporters. Successive delivery of mRNA revealed a lower transfection efficiency in the second transfection round. All these differences proved to be more pronounced for low mRNA doses. Concurrent delivery of siRNA with mRNA also indicated the highest co-transfection efficiency for integrated method. However, the maximum efficacy was shown for successive delivery, due to the kinetically different peak output for the two discretely operating entities. Our findings provide guidance for selection of the co-delivery method best suited to accommodate experimental requirements, highlighting in particular the nucleic acid dose-response dependence on co-delivery on the single-cell level.}, language = {en} } @article{NeffeZhangHommesSchattmannetal.2021, author = {Neffe, Axel T. and Zhang, Quanchao and Hommes-Schattmann, Paul J. and Lendlein, Andreas}, title = {Ethylene oxide sterilization of electrospun poly(L-lactide)/poly(D-lactide) core/shell nanofibers}, series = {MRS advances}, volume = {6}, journal = {MRS advances}, number = {33}, publisher = {Springer}, address = {Cham}, issn = {2059-8521}, doi = {10.1557/s43580-021-00058-5}, pages = {786 -- 789}, year = {2021}, abstract = {The application of polymers in medicine requires sterilization while retaining material structure and properties. This demands detailed analysis, which we show exemplarily for the sterilization of PLLA/PDLA core-shell nanofibers with ethylene oxide (EtO). The electrospun patch was exposed to EtO gas (6 vol\% in CO2, 1.7 bar) for 3 h at 45 degrees C and 75\% rel. humidity, followed by degassing under pressure/vacuum cycles for 12 h. GC-MS analysis showed that no residual EtO was retained. Fiber diameters (similar to 520 +/- 130 nm) of the patches remained constant as observed by electron microscopy. Young's modulus slightly increased and the elongation at break slightly decreased, determined at 37 degrees C. No changes were detected in H-1-NMR spectra, in molar mass distribution (GPC) or in crystallinity measured for annealed samples with comparable thermal history (Wide Angle X-Ray Scattering). Altogether, EtO emerged as suitable sterilization method for polylactide nanofibers with core-shell morphology.}, language = {en} } @article{HeilmannGrothBehrsingetal.2005, author = {Heilmann, Katja and Groth, Thomas and Behrsing, Olaf and Wagner, Albrecht and Schossig-Tiedemann, Michael and Lendlein, Andreas and Micheel, Burkhard}, title = {The influence of the chemical composition of cell culture material on the growth and antibody production of hybridoma cells}, year = {2005}, abstract = {The multiplication and antibody production of murine hybridoma cells cultured on five different polymer membranes were tested and compared with conventional tissue culture polystyrene (TCPS). Membranes were prepared from polyacrylonitrile (PAN) and acrylonitrile copolymerized with N-vinylpyrrolidone (NVP20, NVP30), Na-methallylsulfonate (NaMAS) and N-(3-amino-propyl-methacrylamide-hydrochloride) (APMA). Cell number and antibody concentration were quantified as criteria for viability and productivity. Adhesion of hybridoma cells was characterized by vital and scanning electron microscopy. The results suggest that a strong adhesion of cells, observed on APMA and TCPS, increased cell growth but reduced monoclonal antibody production. In contrast membranes with lowered adhesivity such as NVP20 provided favourable conditions for monoclonal antibody production. In addition it was shown that this membrane also possessed a minor fouling as indicated by the low decrease of water flux across the membrane after protein adsorption. It was concluded that NVP20 could be a suitable material for the development of hollow fibre membranes for bioreactors.}, language = {en} } @article{FengKelchRickertetal.2004, author = {Feng, Y. and Kelch, S. and Rickert, D. and Fuhrmann, R. and Franke, R. P. and Lendlein, Andreas}, title = {Biokompatible abbaubare Formged{\"a}chtnispolymersysteme als intelligente Implantatmaterialien}, year = {2004}, language = {de} } @article{KelchLendleinSchulte2004, author = {Kelch, S. and Lendlein, Andreas and Schulte, J.}, title = {Kunststoffe mit Formged{\"a}chtnis : die erstaunlichen F{\"a}higkeiten intelligenter Materialien}, issn = {0344-5690}, year = {2004}, language = {de} } @article{RickertLendleinKelchetal.2005, author = {Rickert, D and Lendlein, Andreas and Kelch, S and Franke, R. P. and Moses, M. A.}, title = {Cell proliferation and cellular activity of primary cell cultures of the oral cavity after cell seeding on the surface of a degradable, thermoplastic block copolymer}, year = {2005}, abstract = {Using standard cell biological and biochemical methods we were able to test the ability of a degradable, thermoplastic block copolymer to support the adhesion, proliferation, and the cellular activity of primary cell cultures of the oral cavity in vitro. The delicate balance between a group of endogenous enzymes, Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs), and their inhibitors (Tissue Inhibitor of MMPs, TIMPs) have a decisive function in the remodeling of the extracellular matrix during processes like wound healing or the integration of biomaterials in surrounding tissues after implantation. Recently developed, biodegradable thermoplastic elastomers with shape-memory properties may be the key to develop new therapeutical options in head and neck surgery. Primary cell cultures of the oral cavity of Sprague-Dawley rats were seeded on the surface of a thermoplastic block copolymer and on a polystyrene surface as control. Conditioned media of the primary cells were analyzed for MMPs and TIMPs after different periods of cell growth. The MMP and TIMP expression was analysed by zymography and a radiometric enzyme assay. No statistically significant differences in the appearance and the kinetic of MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-9 and TIMPs were detected between cells grown on the polymer surface compared to the control. An appropriate understanding of the molecular processes that regulate cellular growth and integration of a biomaterial in surrounding tissue is the requirement for an optimal adaptation of biodegradable, polymeric biomaterials to the physiological, anatomical, and surgical conditions in vivo to develop new therapeutic options in otolaryngology and head and neck surgery}, language = {en} } @misc{LendleinKelchSchulteetal.2004, author = {Lendlein, Andreas and Kelch, S. and Schulte, J. and Kratz, K.}, title = {Shape-memory polymers}, year = {2004}, language = {en} } @article{GrothLendlein2004, author = {Groth, Thomas and Lendlein, Andreas}, title = {In-vivo-Reparatur von Blutgef{\"a}ßen durch alternierende Adsorption von Polyelektrolyten}, year = {2004}, language = {de} } @article{SantosoSchroeterWagneretal.2004, author = {Santoso, F. and Schroeter, M. and Wagner, Albrecht and Lendlein, Andreas and Sckomaecker, R.}, title = {Simultane Funktionalisierung und Poren{\"o}ffnung von Polyetherimid-Membranen zur Entwicklung neuer Tr{\"a}germaterialien f{\"u}r die Apharese}, year = {2004}, language = {de} } @article{GrothLendlein2004, author = {Groth, Thomas and Lendlein, Andreas}, title = {Layer-by-layer deposition of polyelectrolytes : a versatile tool for the in vivo repair of blood vessels and the preparation of biocompatible implant coatings}, year = {2004}, language = {en} } @article{RickertLendleinKelchetal.2004, author = {Rickert, D. and Lendlein, Andreas and Kelch, S. and Moses, M. A. and Franke, R. P.}, title = {Biokompatibilit{\"a}tstestung von bioabbaubaren Shape Memory Polymeren in vivo}, year = {2004}, language = {de} } @article{BinzenLendleinKelchetal.2004, author = {Binzen, Eva and Lendlein, Andreas and Kelch, S. and Rickert, D. and Franke, R. P.}, title = {Biomaterial-microvasculature interaction on polymers after implantation in mice}, year = {2004}, language = {en} } @article{RickertLendleinSchmidtetal.2003, author = {Rickert, D. and Lendlein, Andreas and Schmidt, A. M. and Kelch, S. and Roehlke, W. and Fuhrmann, R. and Franke, R. P.}, title = {In vitro cytotoxicity testing of AB-polymer networks based on oligo(epsilon-caprolactone) segments after different sterilization techniques}, year = {2003}, language = {en} } @article{RickertMosesLendleinetal.2003, author = {Rickert, D. and Moses, M. A. and Lendlein, Andreas and Kelch, S. and Franke, R. P.}, title = {The importance of angiogenesis in the interaction between polymeric biomaterials and surrounding tissue}, year = {2003}, language = {en} } @article{KelchLendleinMuellenetal.2003, author = {Kelch, S. and Lendlein, Andreas and M{\"u}llen, A. and Ridder, U.}, title = {Textile Polymer Scaffolds for Tissue Engineering}, year = {2003}, language = {en} } @article{KelchLendleinMuellenetal.2003, author = {Kelch, S. and Lendlein, Andreas and M{\"u}llen, A. and Ridder, U.}, title = {Textile Polymerger{\"u}ste f{\"u}r das Tissue Engineering}, year = {2003}, language = {de} } @article{RottkeSchulzRichauetal.2016, author = {Rottke, Falko O. and Schulz, Burkhard and Richau, Klaus and Kratz, Karl and Lendlein, Andreas}, title = {An ellipsometric approach towards the description of inhomogeneous polymer-based Langmuir layers}, series = {Beilstein journal of nanotechnology}, volume = {7}, journal = {Beilstein journal of nanotechnology}, publisher = {Beilstein-Institut zur F{\~A}\Prderung der Chemischen Wissenschaften}, address = {Frankfurt, Main}, issn = {2190-4286}, doi = {10.3762/bjnano.7.107}, pages = {1156 -- 1165}, year = {2016}, abstract = {The applicability of nulling-based ellipsometric mapping as a complementary method next to Brewster angle microscopy (BAM) and imaging ellipsometry (IE) is presented for the characterization of ultrathin films at the air-water interface. First, the methodology is demonstrated for a vertically nonmoving Langmuir layer of star-shaped, 4-arm poly(omega-pentadecalactone) (PPDL-D4). Using nulling-based ellipsometric mapping, PPDL-D4-based inhomogeneously structured morphologies with a vertical dimension in the lower nm range could be mapped. In addition to the identification of these structures, the differentiation between a monolayer and bare water was possible. Second, the potential and limitations of this method were verified by applying it to more versatile Langmuir layers of telechelic poly[(rac-lactide)-co-glycolide]-diol (PLGA). All ellipsometric maps were converted into thickness maps by introduction of the refractive index that was derived from independent ellipsometric experiments, and the result was additionally evaluated in terms of the root mean square roughness, R-q. Thereby, a three-dimensional view into the layers was enabled and morphological inhomogeneity could be quantified.}, language = {en} } @article{RossbergRottkeSchulzetal.2016, author = {Rossberg, Joana and Rottke, Falko O. and Schulz, Burkhard and Lendlein, Andreas}, title = {Enzymatic Degradation of Oligo(epsilon-caprolactone)s End-Capped with Phenylboronic Acid Derivatives at the Air-Water Interface}, series = {Macromolecular rapid communications}, volume = {37}, journal = {Macromolecular rapid communications}, publisher = {Wiley-VCH}, address = {Weinheim}, issn = {1022-1336}, doi = {10.1002/marc.201600471}, pages = {1966 -- 1971}, year = {2016}, abstract = {The influence of terminal functionalization of oligo(epsilon-caprolactone)s (OCL) with phenylboronic acid pinacol ester or phenylboronic acid on the enzymatic degradation behavior at the air-water interface is investigated by the Langmuir monolayer degradation technique. While the unsubstituted OCL immediately degrades after injection of the enzyme lipase from Pseudomonas cepacia, enzyme molecules are incorporated into the films based on end-capped OCL before degradation. This incorporation of enzymes does not inhibit or suppress the film degradation, but retards it significantly. A specific binding of lipase to the polymer monolayer allows studying the enzymatic activity of bound proteins and the influence on the degradation process. The functionalization of a macromolecule with phenyl boronic acid groups is an approach to investigate their interactions with diol-containing biomolecules like sugars and to monitor their specified impact on the enzymatic degradation behavior at the air-water interface.}, language = {en} } @misc{NaolouRuehlLendlein2017, author = {Naolou, Toufik and R{\"u}hl, Eckart and Lendlein, Andreas}, title = {Nanocarriers}, series = {European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics}, volume = {116}, journal = {European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {0939-6411}, doi = {10.1016/j.ejpb.2017.03.004}, pages = {1 -- 3}, year = {2017}, language = {en} } @misc{Lendlein2018, author = {Lendlein, Andreas}, title = {Fabrication of reprogrammable shape-memory polymer actuators for robotics}, series = {Science robotics}, volume = {3}, journal = {Science robotics}, number = {18}, publisher = {American Assoc. for the Advancement of Science}, address = {Washington}, issn = {2470-9476}, doi = {10.1126/scirobotics.aat9090}, pages = {2}, year = {2018}, abstract = {Shape-memory polymer actuators, whose actuation geometry and switching temperatures are reprogrammable by physical fabrication schemes, were recently suggested for robotics with the option for self-healing and degradability.}, language = {en} } @article{YuanNeriZakrietal.2019, author = {Yuan, Jinkai and Neri, Wilfrid and Zakri, Cecile and Merzeau, Pascal and Kratz, Karl and Lendlein, Andreas and Poulin, Philippe}, title = {Shape memory nanocomposite fibers for untethered high-energy microengines}, series = {Science}, volume = {365}, journal = {Science}, number = {6449}, publisher = {American Assoc. for the Advancement of Science}, address = {Washington}, issn = {0036-8075}, doi = {10.1126/science.aaw3722}, pages = {155 -- 158}, year = {2019}, abstract = {Classic rotating engines are powerful and broadly used but are of complex design and difficult to miniaturize. It has long remained challenging to make large-stroke, high-speed, high-energy microengines that are simple and robust. We show that torsionally stiffened shape memory nanocomposite fibers can be transformed upon insertion of twist to store and provide fast and high-energy rotations. The twisted shape memory nanocomposite fibers combine high torque with large angles of rotation, delivering a gravimetric work capacity that is 60 times higher than that of natural skeletal muscles. The temperature that triggers fiber rotation can be tuned. This temperature memory effect provides an additional advantage over conventional engines by allowing for the tunability of the operation temperature and a stepwise release of stored energy.}, language = {en} } @misc{BrauneLatourReinthaleretal.2019, author = {Braune, Steffen and Latour, Robert A. and Reinthaler, Markus and Landmesser, Ulf and Lendlein, Andreas and Jung, Friedrich}, title = {In Vitro Thrombogenicity Testing of Biomaterials}, series = {Advanced healthcare materials}, volume = {8}, journal = {Advanced healthcare materials}, number = {21}, publisher = {Wiley}, address = {Hoboken}, issn = {2192-2640}, doi = {10.1002/adhm.201900527}, pages = {17}, year = {2019}, abstract = {The short- and long-term thrombogenicity of implant materials is still unpredictable, which is a significant challenge for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. A knowledge-based approach for implementing biofunctions in materials requires a detailed understanding of the medical device in the biological system. In particular, the interplay between material and blood components/cells as well as standardized and commonly acknowledged in vitro test methods allowing a reproducible categorization of the material thrombogenicity requires further attention. Here, the status of in vitro thrombogenicity testing methods for biomaterials is reviewed, particularly taking in view the preparation of test materials and references, the selection and characterization of donors and blood samples, the prerequisites for reproducible approaches and applied test systems. Recent joint approaches in finding common standards for a reproducible testing are summarized and perspectives for a more disease oriented in vitro thrombogenicity testing are discussed.}, language = {en} } @article{KruegerGengeBrauneWalteretal.2018, author = {Kr{\"u}ger-Genge, A. and Braune, S. and Walter, M. and Krengel, M. and Kratz, K. and K{\"u}pper, J. H. and Lendlein, Andreas and Jung, Friedrich}, title = {Influence of different surface treatments of poly(n-butyl acrylate) networks on fibroblasts adhesion, morphology and viability}, series = {Clinical hemorheology and microcirculation : blood flow and vessels}, volume = {69}, journal = {Clinical hemorheology and microcirculation : blood flow and vessels}, number = {1-2}, publisher = {IOS Press}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {1386-0291}, doi = {10.3233/CH-189130}, pages = {305 -- 316}, year = {2018}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Physical and chemical characteristics of implant materials determine the fate of long-term cardiovascular devices. However, there is still a lack of fundamental understanding of the molecular mechanisms occurring in the material-tissue interphase. In a previous study, soft covalently crosslinked poly(n-butyl acrylate) networks (cPnBA) were introduced as sterilizable, non-toxic and immuno-compatible biomaterials with mechanical properties adjustable to blood vessels. Here we study the influence of different surface treatments in particular oxygen plasma modification and fibrinogen deposition as well as a combinatorial approach on the adhesion and viability of fibroblasts. RESULTS: Compared to non-treated cPnBAs the advancing water-contact angles were found to be reduced after all surface modifications (p<0.05, each), while lowest values were observed after the combined surface treatment (OPT+FIB). The latter differed significantly from the single OPT and FIB. The number of adherent fibroblasts and their adherence behavior differed on both pristine cPnBA networks. The fibroblast density on cPnBA04 was 743 +/- 434 cells. mm(-2), was about 6.5 times higher than on cPnBA73 with 115 +/- 73 cells. mm(-2). On cPnBA04 about 20\% of the cells were visible as very small, round and buckled cells while all other cells were in a migrating status. On cPnBA73, nearly 50\% of fibroblasts were visible as very small, round and buckled cells. The surface functionalization either using oxygen plasma treatment or fibrinogen coating led to a significant increase of adherent fibroblasts, particularly the combination of both techniques, for both cPnBA networks. It is noteworthy to mention that the fibrinogen coating overruled the characteristics of the pristine surfaces; here, the fibroblast densities after seeding were identical for both cPnBAnetworks. Thus, the binding rather depended on the fibrinogen coating than on the substrate characteristics anymore. While the integrity of the fibroblasts membrane was comparable for both polymers, the MTS tests showed a decreased metabolic activity of the fibroblasts on cPnBA. CONCLUSION: The applied surface treatments of cPnBA successfully improved the adhesion of viable fibroblasts. Under resting conditions as well as after shearing the highest fibroblast densities were found on surfaces with combined post-treatment.}, language = {en} } @article{KruegerGengeSchulzKratzetal.2018, author = {Kr{\"u}ger-Genge, Anne and Schulz, Christian and Kratz, Karl and Lendlein, Andreas and Jung, Friedrich}, title = {Comparison of two substrate materials used as negative control in endothelialization studies}, series = {Clinical hemorheology and microcirculation : blood flow and vessels}, volume = {69}, journal = {Clinical hemorheology and microcirculation : blood flow and vessels}, number = {3}, publisher = {IOS Press}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {1386-0291}, doi = {10.3233/CH-189904}, pages = {437 -- 445}, year = {2018}, abstract = {The endothelialization of synthetic surfaces applied as cardiovascular implant materials is an important issue to ensure the anti-thrombotic quality of a biomaterial. However, the rapid and constant development of a functionallycon-fluent endothelial cell monolayer is challenging. In order to investigate the compatibility of potential implant materials with endothelial cells several in vitro studies are performed. Here, glass and tissue culture plates (TCP) are often used as reference materials for in vitro pre-testing. However, a direct comparison of both substrates is lacking. Therefore, a comparison of study results is difficult, since results are often related to various reference materials. In this study, the endothelialization of glass and TCP was investigated in terms of adherence, morphology, integrity, viability and function using human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). On both substrates an almost functionally confluent HUVEC monolayer was developed after nine days of cell seeding with clearly visible cell rims, decreased stress fiber formation and a pronounced marginal filament band. The viability of HUVEC was comparable for both substrates nine days after cell seeding with only a few dead cells. According to that, the cell membrane integrity as well as the metabolic activity showed no differences between TCP and glass. However, a significant difference was observed for the secretion of IL-6 and IL-8. The concentration of both cytokines, which are associated with migratory activity, was increased in the supernatant of HUVEC seeded on TCP. This result matches well with the slightly increased number of adherent HUVEC on TCP. In conclusion, these findings indicate that both reference materials are almost comparable and can be used equivalently as control materials in in vitro endothelialization studies.}, language = {en} } @article{JiangMansfeldKratzetal.2019, author = {Jiang, Yi and Mansfeld, Ulrich and Kratz, Karl and Lendlein, Andreas}, title = {Programmable microscale stiffness pattern of flat polymeric substrates by temperature-memo technology}, series = {MRS Communications}, volume = {9}, journal = {MRS Communications}, number = {1}, publisher = {Cambridge Univ. Press}, address = {New York}, issn = {2159-6859}, doi = {10.1557/mrc.2019.24}, pages = {181 -- 188}, year = {2019}, abstract = {Temperature-memory technology was utilized to generate flat substrates with a programmable stiffness pattern from cross-linked poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate) substrates with cylindrical microstructures. Programmed substrates were obtained by vertical compression at temperatures in the range from 60 to 100 degrees C and subsequent cooling, whereby a flat substrate was achieved by compression at 72 degrees C, as documented by scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy (AFM). AFM nanoindentation experiments revealed that all programmed substrates exhibited the targeted stiffness pattern. The presented technology for generating polymeric substrates with programmable stiffness pattern should be attractive for applications such as touchpads. optical storage, or cell instructive substrates.}, language = {en} } @article{JiangMansfeldFangetal.2018, author = {Jiang, Yi and Mansfeld, Ulrich and Fang, Liang and Kratz, Karl and Lendlein, Andreas}, title = {Temperature-induced evolution of microstructures on poly[ethylene-co-(vinyl acetate)] substrates switches their underwater wettability}, series = {Materials \& design}, volume = {163}, journal = {Materials \& design}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Oxford}, issn = {0264-1275}, doi = {10.1016/j.matdes.2018.12.002}, pages = {10}, year = {2018}, abstract = {Material surfaces with tailored aerophobicity are crucial for applications where gas bubble wettability has to be controlled, e.g., gas storage and transport, electrodes, bioreactors or medical devices. Here, we present switchable underwater aerophobicity of hydrophobic polymeric substrates, which respond to heat with multilevel micro-and nanotopographical changes. The cross-linked poly[ethylene-co-(vinyl acetate)] substrates possess arrays of microcylinders with a nanorough top surface. It is hypothesized that the specific micro-/nanotopography of the surface allows trapping of a water film at the micro interspace and in this way generates the aerophobic behavior. The structured substrates were programmed to a temporarily stable, nanoscale flat substrate showing aerophilic behavior. Upon heating, the topographical changes caused a switch in contact angle from aerophilic to aerophobic for approaching air bubbles. In this way, the initial adhesion of air bubbles to the programmed flat substrate could be turned into repellence for the recovered substrate surface. The temperature at which the repellence of air bubbles starts can be adjusted from 58 +/- 3 degrees C to 73 +/- 3 degrees C by varying the deformation temperature applied during the temperature-memory programming procedure. The presented actively switching polymeric substrates are attractive candidates for applications, where an on-demand gas bubble repellence is advantageous. (c) 2018 Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht, Zentrum fur Material- und Kustenforschung. Published by Elsevier Ltd.}, language = {en} } @article{LendleinGould2019, author = {Lendlein, Andreas and Gould, Oliver E. C.}, title = {Reprogrammable recovery and actuation behaviour of shape-memory polymers}, series = {Nature reviews. Materials}, volume = {4}, journal = {Nature reviews. Materials}, number = {2}, publisher = {Nature Publ. Group}, address = {London}, issn = {2058-8437}, doi = {10.1038/s41578-018-0078-8}, pages = {116 -- 133}, year = {2019}, abstract = {Shape memory is the capability of a material to be deformed and fixed into a temporary shape. Recovery of the original shape can then be triggered only by an external stimulus. Shape-memory polymers are highly deformable materials that can be programmed to recover a memorized shape in response to a variety of environmental and spatially localized stimuli as a one-way effect. The shape-memory function can also be generated as a reversible effect enabling actuation behaviour through macroscale deformation and processing, specifically by dictating the macromolecular orientation of actuation units and of the skeleton structure of geometry-determining units in the polymers. Shape-memory polymers can be programmed and reprogrammed into arbitrary shapes. Both recovery and actuation behaviour are reprogrammable. In this Review, we outline the common basis and key differences between the two shape-memory behaviours of polymers in terms of mechanism, fabrication schemes and characterization methods. We discuss which combination of macromolecular architecture and macroscale processing is necessary for coordinated, decentralized and responsive physical behaviour. The extraction of relevant thermomechanical information is described, and design criteria are shown for microscale and macroscale morphologies to gain high levels of recovered or actuation strains as well as on-demand 2D-to-3D shape transformations. Finally, real-world applications and key future challenges are highlighted.}, language = {en} } @article{ReinthalerJohanssonBrauneetal.2019, author = {Reinthaler, Markus and Johansson, Johan Backemo and Braune, Steffen and Al-Hindwan, Haitham Saleh Ali and Lendlein, Andreas and Jung, Friedrich}, title = {Shear-induced platelet adherence and activation in an in-vitro dynamic multiwell-plate system}, series = {Clinical hemorheology and microcirculation : blood flow and vessels}, volume = {71}, journal = {Clinical hemorheology and microcirculation : blood flow and vessels}, number = {2}, publisher = {IOS Press}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {1386-0291}, doi = {10.3233/CH-189410}, pages = {183 -- 191}, year = {2019}, abstract = {Circulating blood cells are prone to varying flow conditions when contacting cardiovascular devices. For a profound understanding of the complex interplay between the blood components/cells and cardiovascular implant surfaces, testing under varying shear conditions is required. Here, we study the influence of arterial and venous shear conditions on the in vitro evaluation of the thrombogenicity of polymer-based implant materials. Medical grade poly(dimethyl siloxane) (PDMS), polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) films were included as reference materials. The polymers were exposed to whole blood from healthy humans. Blood was agitated orbitally at low (venous shear stress: 2.8 dyne. cm(-2)) and high (arterial shear stress: 22.2 dyne .cm(-2)) agitation speeds in a well-plate based test system. Numbers of non-adherent platelets, platelet activation (P-Selectin positive platelets), platelet function (PFA100 closure times) and platelet adhesion (laser scanning microscopy (LSM)) were determined. Microscopic data and counting of the circulating cells revealed increasing numbers of material-surface adherent platelets with increasing agitation speed. Also, activation of the platelets was substantially increased when tested under the high shear conditions (P-Selectin levels, PFA-100 closure times). At low agitation speed, the platelet densities did not differ between the three materials. Tested at the high agitation speed, lowest platelet densities were observed on PDMS, intermediate levels on PET and highest on PTFE. While activation of the circulating platelets was affected by the implant surfaces in a similar manner, PFA closure times did not reflect this trend. Differences in the thrombogenicity of the studied polymers were more pronounced when tested at high agitation speed due to the induced shear stresses. Testing under varying shear stresses, thus, led to a different evaluation of the implant thrombogenicity, which emphasizes the need for testing under various flow conditions. Our data further confirmed earlier findings where the same reference implants were tested under static (and not dynamic) conditions and with fresh human platelet rich plasma instead of whole blood. This supports that the application of common reference materials may improve inter-study comparisons, even under varying test conditions.}, language = {en} } @article{KuhnlaReinthalerBrauneetal.2019, author = {Kuhnla, A. and Reinthaler, Markus and Braune, Steffen and Maier, A. and Pindur, Gerhard and Lendlein, Andreas and Jung, Friedrich}, title = {Spontaneous and induced platelet aggregation in apparently healthy subjects in relation to age}, series = {Clinical hemorheology and microcirculation : blood flow and vessels}, volume = {71}, journal = {Clinical hemorheology and microcirculation : blood flow and vessels}, number = {4}, publisher = {IOS Press}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {1386-0291}, doi = {10.3233/CH-199006}, pages = {425 -- 435}, year = {2019}, abstract = {Thrombotic disorders remain the leading cause of mortality and morbidity, despite the fact that anti-platelet therapies and vascular implants are successfully used today. As life expectancy is increasing in western societies, the specific knowledge about processes leading to thrombosis in elderly is essential for an adequate therapeutic management of platelet dysfunction and for tailoring blood contacting implants. This study addresses the limited available data on platelet function in apparently healthy subjects in relation to age, particularly in view of subjects of old age (80-98 years). Apparently healthy subjects between 20 and 98 years were included in this study. Platelet function was assessed by light transmission aggregometry and comprised experiments on spontaneous as well as ristocetin-, ADP- and collagen-induced platelet aggregation. The data of this study revealed a non-linear increase in the maximum spontaneous platelet aggregation (from 3.3\% +/- 3.3\% to 10.9\% +/- 5.9\%). The maximum induced aggregation decreased with age for ristocetin (from 85.8\% +/- 7.2\% to 75.0\% +/- 7.8\%), ADP (from 88.5\% +/- 4.6\% to 64.8\% +/- 7.3\%) and collagen (from 89.5\% +/- 3.0\% to 64.0\% +/- 4.0\%) in a non-linear manner (linear regression analysis). These observations indicate that during aging, circulating platelets become increasingly activated but lose their full aggregatory potential, a phenomenon that was earlier termed "platelet exhaustion". In this study we extended the limited existing data for spontaneous and induced platelet aggregation of apparently healthy donors above the age of 75 years. The presented data indicate that the extrapolation of data from a middle age group does not necessarily predict platelet function in apparently healthy subjects of old age. It emphasizes the need for respective studies to improve our understanding of thrombotic processes in elderly humans.}, language = {en} } @article{LiXuWangetal.2017, author = {Li, Zhengdong and Xu, Xun and Wang, Weiwei and Kratz, Karl and Sun, Xianlei and Zou, Jie and Deng, Zijun and Jung, Friedrich Wilhelm and Gossen, Manfred and Ma, Nan and Lendlein, Andreas}, title = {Modulation of the mesenchymal stem cell migration capacity via preconditioning with topographic microstructure}, series = {Clinical hemorheology and microcirculation : blood flow and vessels}, volume = {67}, journal = {Clinical hemorheology and microcirculation : blood flow and vessels}, publisher = {IOS Press}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {1386-0291}, doi = {10.3233/CH-179208}, pages = {267 -- 278}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Controlling mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) behavior is necessary to fully exploit their therapeutic potential. Various approaches are employed to effectively influence the migration capacity of MSCs. Here, topographic microstructures with different microscale roughness were created on polystyrene (PS) culture vessel surfaces as a feasible physical preconditioning strategy to modulate MSC migration. By analyzing trajectories of cells migrating after reseeding, we demonstrated that the mobilization velocity of human adipose derived mesenchymal stem cells (hADSCs) could be promoted by and persisted after brief preconditioning with the appropriate microtopography. Moreover, the elevated activation levels of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) in hADSCs were also observed during and after the preconditioning process. These findings underline the potential enhancement of in vivo therapeutic efficacy in regenerative medicine via transplantation of topographic microstructure preconditioned stem cells.}, language = {en} } @article{ZouWangNeffeetal.2017, author = {Zou, Jie and Wang, Weiwei and Neffe, Axel T. and Xu, Xun and Li, Zhengdong and Deng, Zijun and Sun, Xianlei and Ma, Nan and Lendlein, Andreas}, title = {Adipogenic differentiation of human adipose derived mesenchymal stem cells in 3D architectured gelatin based hydrogels (ArcGel)}, series = {Clinical hemorheology and microcirculation : blood flow and vessels}, volume = {67}, journal = {Clinical hemorheology and microcirculation : blood flow and vessels}, number = {3-4}, publisher = {IOS Press}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {1386-0291}, doi = {10.3233/CH-179210}, pages = {297 -- 307}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Polymeric matrices mimicking multiple functions of the ECM are expected to enable a material induced regeneration of tissues. Here, we investigated the adipogenic differentiation of human adipose derived mesenchymal stem cells (hADSCs) in a 3D architectured gelatin based hydrogel (ArcGel) prepared from gelatin and L-lysine diisocyanate ethyl ester (LDI) in an one-step process, in which the formation of an open porous morphology and the chemical network formation were integrated. The ArcGel was designed to support adipose tissue regeneration with its 3D porous structure, high cell biocompatibility, and mechanical properties compatible with human subcutaneous adipose tissue. The ArcGel could support initial cell adhesion and survival of hADSCs. Under static culture condition, the cells could migrate into the inner part of the scaffold with a depth of 840 +/- 120 mu m after 4 days, and distributed in the whole scaffold (2mm in thickness) within 14 days. The cells proliferated in the scaffold and the fold increase of cell number after 7 days of culture was 2.55 +/- 0.08. The apoptotic rate of hADSCs in the scaffold was similar to that of cells maintained on tissue culture plates. When cultured in adipogenic induction medium, the hADSCs in the scaffold differentiated into adipocytes with a high efficiency (93 +/- 1\%). Conclusively, this gelatin based 3D scaffold presented high cell compatibility for hADSC cultivation and differentiation, which could serve as a potential implant material in clinical applications for adipose tissue reparation and regeneration.}, language = {en} } @article{BaeckemoLiuLendlein2021, author = {B{\"a}ckemo, Johan Dag Valentin and Liu, Yue and Lendlein, Andreas}, title = {Bio-inspired and computer-supported design of modulated shape changes in polymer materials}, series = {MRS communications / a publication of the Materials Research Society}, volume = {11}, journal = {MRS communications / a publication of the Materials Research Society}, number = {4}, publisher = {Springer}, address = {Berlin}, issn = {2159-6867}, doi = {10.1557/s43579-021-00056-6}, pages = {462 -- 469}, year = {2021}, abstract = {The Venus flytrap is a fascinating plant with a finely tuned mechanical bi-stable system, which can switch between mono- and bi-stability. Here, we combine geometrical design of compliant mechanics and the function of shape-memory polymers to enable switching between bi- and mono-stable states. Digital design and modelling using the Chained Beam Constraint Model forecasted two geometries, which were experimentally realized as structured films of cross-linked poly[ethylene-co-(vinyl acetate)] supported by digital manufacturing. Mechanical evaluation confirmed our predicted features. We demonstrated that a shape-memory effect could switch between bi- and mono-stability for the same construct, effectively imitating the Venus flytrap.}, language = {en} } @article{LiuGouldKratzetal.2020, author = {Liu, Yue and Gould, Oliver E. C. and Kratz, Karl and Lendlein, Andreas}, title = {Shape-memory actuation of individual micro-/nanofibers}, series = {MRS Advances}, volume = {5}, journal = {MRS Advances}, number = {46-47}, publisher = {Cambridge Univ. Press}, address = {New York}, issn = {2059-8521}, doi = {10.1557/adv.2020.276}, pages = {2391 -- 2399}, year = {2020}, abstract = {Advances in the fabrication and characterization of polymeric nanomaterials has greatly advanced the miniaturization of soft actuators, creating materials capable of replicating the functional physical behavior previously limited to the macroscale. Here, we demonstrate how a reversible shape-memory polymer actuation can be generated in a single micro/nano object, where the shape change during actuation of an individual fiber can be dictated by programming using an AFM-based method. Electrospinning was used to prepare poly(epsilon-caprolactone) micro-/nanofibers, which were fixed and crosslinked on a structured silicon wafer. The programming as well as the observation of recovery and reversible displacement of the fiber were performed by vertical three point bending, using an AFM testing platform introduced here. A plateau tip was utilized to improve the stability of the fiber contact and working distance, enabling larger deformations and greater rbSMPA performance. Values for the reversible elongation of epsilon(rev)= 3.4 +/- 0.1\% and 10.5 +/- 0.1\% were obtained for a single micro (d = 1.0 +/- 0.2 mu m) and nanofiber (d = 300 +/- 100 nm) in cyclic testing between the temperatures 10 and 60 degrees C. The reversible actuation of the nanofiber was successfully characterized for 10 cycles. The demonstration and characterization of individual shape-memory nano and microfiber actuators represents an important step in the creation of miniaturized robotic devices capable of performing complex physical functions at the length scale of cells and structural component of the extracellular matrix.}, language = {en} } @article{LiuGouldKratzetal.2022, author = {Liu, Yue and Gould, Oliver E. C. and Kratz, Karl and Lendlein, Andreas}, title = {On demand sequential release of (sub)micron particles controlled by size and temperature}, series = {Small : nano micro}, volume = {18}, journal = {Small : nano micro}, number = {5}, publisher = {Wiley-VCH}, address = {Weinheim}, issn = {1613-6810}, doi = {10.1002/smll.202104621}, pages = {8}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Polymeric devices capable of releasing submicron particles (subMP) on demand are highly desirable for controlled release systems, sensors, and smart surfaces. Here, a temperature-memory polymer sheet with a programmable smooth surface served as matrix to embed and release polystyrene subMP controlled by particle size and temperature. subMPs embedding at 80 degrees C can be released sequentially according to their size (diameter D of 200 nm, 500 nm, 1 mu m) when heated. The differences in their embedding extent are determined by the various subMPs sizes and result in their distinct release temperatures. Microparticles of the same size (D approximate to 1 mu m) incorporated in films at different programming temperatures T-p (50, 65, and 80 degrees C) lead to a sequential release based on the temperature-memory effect. The change of apparent height over the film surface is quantified using atomic force microscopy and the realization of sequential release is proven by confocal laser scanning microscopy. The demonstration and quantification of on demand subMP release are of technological impact for assembly, particle sorting, and release technologies in microtechnology, catalysis, and controlled release.}, language = {en} } @article{MoradianGossenLendlein2022, author = {Moradian, Hanieh and Gossen, Manfred and Lendlein, Andreas}, title = {Co-delivery of genes can be confounded by bicistronic vector design}, series = {MRS Communications}, volume = {12}, journal = {MRS Communications}, number = {2}, publisher = {Springer}, address = {Heidelberg}, issn = {2159-6859}, doi = {10.1557/s43579-021-00128-7}, pages = {145 -- 153}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Maximizing the efficiency of nanocarrier-mediated co-delivery of genes for co-expression in the same cell is critical for many applications. Strategies to maximize co-delivery of nucleic acids (NA) focused largely on carrier systems, with little attention towards payload composition itself. Here, we investigated the effects of different payload designs: co-delivery of two individual "monocistronic" NAs versus a single bicistronic NA comprising two genes separated by a 2A self-cleavage site. Unexpectedly, co-delivery via the monocistronic design resulted in a higher percentage of co-expressing cells, while predictive co-expression via the bicistronic design remained elusive. Our results will aid the application-dependent selection of the optimal methodology for co-delivery of genes.}, language = {en} } @article{LendleinHeuchel2021, author = {Lendlein, Andreas and Heuchel, Matthias}, title = {Shape-memory polymers designed in view of thermomechanical energy storage and conversion systems}, series = {ACS central science}, volume = {7}, journal = {ACS central science}, number = {10}, publisher = {American Chemical Society}, address = {Washington}, issn = {2374-7951}, doi = {10.1021/acscentsci.1c01032}, pages = {1599 -- 1601}, year = {2021}, language = {en} } @article{DengWangXuetal.2020, author = {Deng, Zijun and Wang, Weiwei and Xu, Xun and Ma, Nan and Lendlein, Andreas}, title = {Modulation of mesenchymal stem cell migration using programmable polymer sheet actuators}, series = {MRS advances}, volume = {5}, journal = {MRS advances}, number = {46-47}, publisher = {Cambridge Univ. Press}, address = {New York}, issn = {2059-8521}, doi = {10.1557/adv.2020.235}, pages = {2381 -- 2390}, year = {2020}, abstract = {Recruitment of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to damaged tissue is a crucial step to modulate tissue regeneration. Here, the migration of human adipose-derived stem cells (hADSCs) responding to thermal and mechanical stimuli was investigated using programmable shape-memory polymer actuator (SMPA) sheets. Changing the temperature repetitively between 10 and 37 degrees C, the SMPA sheets are capable of reversibly changing between two different pre-defined shapes like an artificial muscle. Compared to non-actuating sheets, the cells cultured on the programmed actuating sheets presented a higher migration velocity (0.32 +/- 0.1 vs. 0.57 +/- 0.2 mu m/min). These results could motivate the next scientific steps, for example, to investigate the MSCs pre-loaded in organoids towards their migration potential.}, language = {en} } @article{WangXuLietal.2019, author = {Wang, Weiwei and Xu, Xun and Li, Zhengdong and Kratz, Karl and Ma, Nan and Lendlein, Andreas}, title = {Modulating human mesenchymal stem cells using poly(n-butyl acrylate) networks in vitro with elasticity matching human arteries}, series = {Clinical hemorheology and microcirculation : blood flow and vessels}, volume = {71}, journal = {Clinical hemorheology and microcirculation : blood flow and vessels}, number = {2}, publisher = {IOS Press}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {1386-0291}, doi = {10.3233/CH-189418}, pages = {277 -- 289}, year = {2019}, abstract = {Non-swelling hydrophobic poly(n-butyl acrylate) network (cPnBA) is a candidate material for synthetic vascular grafts owing to its low toxicity and tailorable mechanical properties. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are an attractive cell type for accelerating endothelialization because of their superior anti-thrombosis and immune modulatory function. Further, they can differentiate into smooth muscle cells or endothelial-like cells and secret pro-angiogenic factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). MSCs are sensitive to the substrate mechanical properties, with the alteration of their major cellular behavior and functions as a response to substrate elasticity. Here, we cultured human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hADSCs) on cPnBAs with different mechanical properties (cPnBA250, Young's modulus (E) = 250 kPa; cPnBA1100, E = 1100 kPa) matching the elasticity of native arteries, and investigated their cellular response to the materials including cell attachment, proliferation, viability, apoptosis, senescence and secretion. The cPnBA allowed high cell attachment and showed negligible cytotoxicity. F-actin assembly of hADSCs decreased on cPnBA films compared to classical tissue culture plate. The difference of cPnBA elasticity did not show dramatic effects on cell attachment, morphology, cytoskeleton assembly, apoptosis and senescence. Cells on cPnBA250, with lower proliferation rate, had significantly higher VEGF secretion activity. These results demonstrated that tuning polymer elasticity to regulate human stem cells might be a potential strategy for constructing stem cell-based artificial blood vessels.}, language = {en} } @article{DengZouWangetal.2019, author = {Deng, Zijun and Zou, Jie and Wang, Weiwei and Nie, Yan and Tung, Wing-Tai and Ma, Nan and Lendlein, Andreas}, title = {Dedifferentiation of mature adipocytes with periodic exposure to cold}, series = {Clinical hemorheology and microcirculation : blood flow and vessels}, volume = {71}, journal = {Clinical hemorheology and microcirculation : blood flow and vessels}, number = {4}, publisher = {IOS Press}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {1386-0291}, doi = {10.3233/CH-199005}, pages = {415 -- 424}, year = {2019}, abstract = {Lipid-containing adipocytes can dedifferentiate into fibroblast-like cells under appropriate culture conditions, which are known as dedifferentiated fat (DFAT) cells. However, the relative low dedifferentiation efficiency with the established protocols limit their widespread applications. In this study, we found that adipocyte dedifferentiation could be promoted via periodic exposure to cold (10 degrees C) in vitro. The lipid droplets in mature adipocytes were reduced by culturing the cells in periodic cooling/heating cycles (10-37 degrees C) for one week. The periodic temperature change led to the down-regulation of the adipogenic genes (FABP4, Leptin) and up-regulation of the mitochondrial uncoupling related genes (UCP1, PGC-1 alpha, and PRDM16). In addition, the enhanced expression of the cell proliferation marker Ki67 was observed in the dedifferentiated fibroblast-like cells after periodic exposure to cold, as compared to the cells cultured in 37 degrees C. Our in vitro model provides a simple and effective approach to promote lipolysis and can be used to improve the dedifferentiation efficiency of adipocytes towards multipotent DFAT cells.}, language = {en} } @article{NieWangXuetal.2019, author = {Nie, Yan and Wang, Weiwei and Xu, Xun and Zou, Jie and Bhuvanesh, Thanga and Schulz, Burkhard and Ma, Nan and Lendlein, Andreas}, title = {Enhancement of human induced pluripotent stem cells adhesion through multilayer laminin coating}, series = {Clinical hemorheology and microcirculation : blood flow and vessels}, volume = {70}, journal = {Clinical hemorheology and microcirculation : blood flow and vessels}, number = {4}, publisher = {IOS Press}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {1386-0291}, doi = {10.3233/CH-189318}, pages = {531 -- 542}, year = {2019}, abstract = {Bioengineered cell substrates are a highly promising tool to govern the differentiation of stem cells in vitro and to modulate the cellular behavior in vivo. While this technology works fine for adult stem cells, the cultivation of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) is challenging as these cells typically show poor attachment on the bioengineered substrates, which among other effects causes substantial cell death. Thus, very limited types of surfaces have been demonstrated suitable for hiPSC cultures. The multilayer coating approach that renders the surface with diverse chemical compositions, architectures, and functions can be used to improve the adhesion of hiPSCs on the bioengineered substrates. We hypothesized that a multilayer formation based on the attraction of molecules with opposite charges could functionalize the polystyrene (PS) substrates to improve the adhesion of hiPSCs. Polymeric substrates were stepwise coated, first with dopamine to form a polydopamine (PDA) layer, second with polylysine and last with Laminin-521. The multilayer formation resulted in the variation of hydrophilicity and chemical functionality of the surfaces. Hydrophilicity was detected using captive bubble method and the amount of primary and secondary amines on the surface was quantified by fluorescent staining. The PDA layer effectively immobilized the upper layers and thereby improved the attachment of hiPSCs. Cell adhesion was enhanced on the surfaces coated with multilayers, as compared to those without PDA and/or polylysine. Moreover, hiPSCs spread well over this multilayer laminin substrate. These cells maintained their proliferation capacity and differentiation potential. The multilayer coating strategy is a promising attempt for engineering polymer-based substrates for the cultivation of hiPSCs and of interest for expanding the application scope of hiPSCs.}, language = {en} } @article{BhuvaneshSaretiaRochetal.2017, author = {Bhuvanesh, Thanga and Saretia, Shivam and Roch, Toralf and Sch{\"o}ne, Anne-Christin and Rottke, Falko O. and Kratz, Karl and Wang, Weiwei and Ma, Nan and Schulz, Burkhard and Lendlein, Andreas}, title = {Langmuir-Schaefer films of fibronectin as designed biointerfaces for culturing stem cells}, series = {Polymers for advanced technologies}, volume = {28}, journal = {Polymers for advanced technologies}, publisher = {Wiley}, address = {Hoboken}, issn = {1042-7147}, doi = {10.1002/pat.3910}, pages = {1305 -- 1311}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Glycoproteins adsorbing on an implant upon contact with body fluids can affect the biological response in vitro and in vivo, depending on the type and conformation of the adsorbed biomacromolecules. However, this process is poorly characterized and so far not controllable. Here, protein monolayers of high molecular cohesion with defined density are transferred onto polymeric substrates by the Langmuir-Schaefer (LS) technique and were compared with solution deposition (SO) method. It is hypothesized that on polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), a substrate with poor cell adhesion capacity, the fibronectin (FN) layers generated by the LS and SO methods will differ in their organization, subsequently facilitating differential stem cell adhesion behavior. Indeed, atomic force microscopy visualization and immunofluorescence images indicated that organization of the FN layer immobilized on PDMS was uniform and homogeneous. In contrast, FN deposited by SO method was rather heterogeneous with appearance of structures resembling protein aggregates. Human mesenchymal stem cells showed reduced absolute numbers of adherent cells, and the vinculin expression seemed to be higher and more homogenously distributed after seeding on PDMS equipped with FN by LS in comparison with PDMS equipped with FN by SO. These divergent responses could be attributed to differences in the availability of adhesion molecule ligands such as the Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) peptide sequence presented at the interface. The LS method allows to control the protein layer characteristics, including the thickness and the protein orientation or conformation, which can be harnessed to direct stem cell responses to defined outcomes, including migration and differentiation. Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley \& Sons, Ltd.}, language = {en} } @article{SaretiaMachatschekSchulzetal.2019, author = {Saretia, Shivam and Machatschek, Rainhard Gabriel and Schulz, Burkhard and Lendlein, Andreas}, title = {Reversible 2D networks of oligo(epsilon-caprolactone) at the air-water interface}, series = {Biomedical Materials}, volume = {14}, journal = {Biomedical Materials}, number = {3}, publisher = {IOP Publ. Ltd.}, address = {Bristol}, issn = {1748-6041}, doi = {10.1088/1748-605X/ab0cef}, pages = {10}, year = {2019}, abstract = {Hydroxyl terminated oligo(epsilon-caprolactone) (OCL) monolayers were reversibly cross-linked forming two dimensional networks (2D) at the air-water interface. The equilibrium reaction with glyoxal as the cross-linker is pH-sensitive. Pronounced contraction in the area of the prepared 2DOCL films in dependence of surface pressure and time revealed the process of the reaction. Cross-linking inhibited crystallization and retarded enzymatic degradation of the OCLfilm. Altering the subphase pH led to a cleavage of the covalent acetal cross-links. The reversibility of the covalent acetal cross-links was proved by observing an identical isotherm as non-cross-linked sample. Besides as model systems, these customizable reversible OCL2D networks are intended for use as pHresponsive drug delivery systems or functionalized cell culture substrates.}, language = {en} } @article{MachatschekSchulzLendlein2018, author = {Machatschek, Rainhard Gabriel and Schulz, Burkhard and Lendlein, Andreas}, title = {The influence of pH on the molecular degradation mechanism of PLGA}, series = {MRS Advances}, volume = {3}, journal = {MRS Advances}, number = {63}, publisher = {Cambridge Univ. Press}, address = {New York}, issn = {2059-8521}, doi = {10.1557/adv.2018.602}, pages = {3883 -- 3889}, year = {2018}, abstract = {Poly[(rac-lactide)-co-glycolide] (PLGA) is used in medicine to provide mechanical support for healing tissue or as matrix for controlled drug release. The properties of this copolymer depend on the evolution of the molecular weight of the material during degradation. which is determined by the kinetics of the cleavage of hydrolysable bonds. The generally accepted description of the degradation of PLGA is a random fragmentation that is autocatalyzed by the accumulation of acidic fragments inside the bulk material. Since mechanistic studies with lactide oligomers have concluded a chain-end scission mechanism and monolayer degradation experiments with polylactide found no accelerated degradation at lower pH, we hypothesize that the impact of acidic fragments on the molecular degradation kinetics of PLGA is overestimated By means of the Langmuir monolayer degradation technique. the molecular degradation kinetics of PLGA at different pH could be determined. Protons did not catalyze the degradation of PLGA. The molecular mechanism at neutral pH and low pH is a combination of random and chainend-cut events, while the degradation under strongly alkaline conditions is determined by rapid chainend cuts. We suggest that the degradation of bulk PLGA is not catalyzed by the acidic degradation products. Instead. increased concentration of small fragments leads to accelerated mass loss via fast chain-end cut events. In the future, we aim to substantiate the proposed molecular degradation mechanism of PLGA with interfacial rheology.}, language = {en} } @misc{MachatschekSchulzLendlein2018, author = {Machatschek, Rainhard Gabriel and Schulz, Burkhard and Lendlein, Andreas}, title = {Langmuir Monolayers as Tools to Study Biodegradable Polymer Implant Materials}, series = {Macromolecular rapid communications}, volume = {40}, journal = {Macromolecular rapid communications}, number = {1}, publisher = {Wiley-VCH}, address = {Weinheim}, issn = {1022-1336}, doi = {10.1002/marc.201800611}, pages = {11}, year = {2018}, abstract = {Langmuir monolayers provide a fast and elegant route to analyze the degradation behavior of biodegradable polymer materials. In contrast to bulk materials, diffusive transport of reactants and reaction products in the (partially degraded) material can be neglected at the air-water interface, allowing for the study of molecular degradation kinetics in experiments taking less than a day and in some cases just a few minutes, in contrast to experiments with bulk materials that can take years. Several aspects of the biodegradation behavior of polymer materials, such as the interaction with biomolecules and degradation products, are directly observable. Expanding the technique with surface-sensitive instrumental techniques enables evaluating the evolution of the morphology, chemical composition, and the mechanical properties of the degrading material in situ. The potential of the Langmuir monolayer degradation technique as a predictive tool for implant degradation when combined with computational methods is outlined, and related open questions and strategies to overcome these challenges are pointed out.}, language = {en} } @article{LuetzowWeigelLendlein2020, author = {L{\"u}tzow, Karola and Weigel, Thomas and Lendlein, Andreas}, title = {Solvent-based fabrication method for magnetic, shape-memory nanocomposite foams}, series = {MRS advances}, volume = {5}, journal = {MRS advances}, number = {14-15}, publisher = {Cambridge Univ. Press}, address = {Cambridge}, issn = {2059-8521}, doi = {10.1557/adv.2019.422}, pages = {785 -- 795}, year = {2020}, abstract = {This paper presents shape-memory foams that can be temporarily fixed in their compressed state and be expanded on demand. Highly porous, nanocomposite foams were prepared from a solution of polyetherurethane with suspended nanoparticles (mean aggregate size 90 nm) which have an iron(III) oxide core with a silica shell. The polymer solution with suspended nanoparticles was cooled down to -20 degrees C in a two-stage process, which was followed by freeze-drying. The average pore size increases with decreasing concentration of nanoparticles from 158 mu m to 230 mu m while the foam porosity remained constant. After fixation of a temporary form of the nanocomposite foams, shape recovery can be triggered either by heat or by exposure to an alternating magnetic field. Compressed foams showed a recovery rate of up to 76 +/- 4\% in a thermochamber at 80 degrees C, and a slightly lower recovery rate of up to 65 +/- 4\% in a magnetic field.}, language = {en} } @article{LiangBehlLendlein2021, author = {Liang, Xiao and Behl, Marc and Lendlein, Andreas}, title = {Dihydroxy terminated teroligomers from morpholine-2,5-diones}, series = {European polymer journal : EPJ}, volume = {143}, journal = {European polymer journal : EPJ}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Oxford}, issn = {0014-3057}, doi = {10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2020.110189}, pages = {9}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Oligodepsipeptides (ODPs) attract increasing attention as degradable materials in controlled drug delivery or as building blocks for nano-carriers. Their strong intermolecular interactions provide high stability. Tailoring the side groups of the amino acid repeating units to achieve a strong affinity to particular drugs allows a high drug-loading capacity. Here we describe synthesis and characterization of dihydroxy terminated teroligodepsipeptides (ter-ODPs) by ring-opening copolymerization (ROP) of three different morpholine-2,5-diones (MDs) in bulk in order to provide a set of teroligomers with structural variation for drug release or transfection. Ter-ODPs with equivalent co-monomer feed ratios were prepared as well as ter-ODPs, in which the co-monomer feed ratio was varied between 9 mol\% and 78 mol\%. Ter-ODPs were synthesized by ROP using 1,1,10,10-tetra-n-butyl-1,10-distanna-2,9,11,18-tetraoxa-5,6,14,15-tetrasulfur-cyclodecane (tin(IV) alkoxide) that was obtained by the reaction of dibutyl tin(II) oxide with 2-hydroxyethyl disulfide. The number average molecular weight (M-n) of ter-ODPs, determined by H-1 NMR and gel permeation chromatography (GPC), ranged between 4000 g center dot mol(-1) and 8600 g center dot mol(-1). Co-monomer compositions in ter-ODPs could be controlled by changing the feed ratio of co-monomers as observed by H-1 NMR spectroscopy and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS). The amount of remaining monomers as determined by H-1 NMR could be kept below 1 wt\%. Macrocycles as main sources of byproducts as determined from MALDI-TOF-MS measurements were significantly lower as compared to polymerization by Sn(Oct)(2). Glass-transition temperature (T-g) of ter-ODPs ranged between 59 degrees C and 70 degrees C.}, language = {en} } @article{BehlBalkMansfeldetal.2021, author = {Behl, Marc and Balk, Maria and Mansfeld, Ulrich and Lendlein, Andreas}, title = {Phase morphology of multiblock copolymers differing in sequence of blocks}, series = {Macromolecular materials and engineering}, volume = {306}, journal = {Macromolecular materials and engineering}, number = {3}, publisher = {Wiley-VCH}, address = {Weinheim}, issn = {1439-2054}, doi = {10.1002/mame.202000672}, pages = {9}, year = {2021}, abstract = {The chemical nature, the number length of integrated building blocks, as well as their sequence structure impact the phase morphology of multiblock copolymers (MBC) consisting of two non-miscible block types. It is hypothesized that a strictly alternating sequence should impact phase segregation. A library of well-defined MBC obtained by coupling oligo(epsilon-caprolactone) (OCL) of different molecular weights (2, 4, and 8 kDa) with oligotetrahydrofuran (OTHF, 2.9 kDa) via Steglich esterification results in strictly alternating (MBCalt) or random (MBCran) MBC. The three different series has a weight average molecular weight (M-w) of 65 000, 165 000, and 168 000 g mol(-1) for MBCalt and 80 500, 100 000, and 147 600 g mol(-1) for MBCran. When the chain length of OCL building blocks is increased, the tendency for phase segregation is facilitated, which is attributed to the decrease in chain mobility within the MBC. Furthermore, it is found that the phase segregation disturbs the crystallization by causing heterogeneities in the semi-crystalline alignment, which is attributed to an increase of the disorder of the OCL semi-crystalline alignment.}, language = {en} } @article{SchmidtBehlLendleinetal.2014, author = {Schmidt, Christian and Behl, Marc and Lendlein, Andreas and Beuermann, Sabine}, title = {Synthesis of high molecular weight polyglycolide in supercritical carbon dioxide}, series = {RSC Advances}, volume = {4}, journal = {RSC Advances}, number = {66}, publisher = {Royal Society of Chemistry}, address = {Cambridge}, issn = {2046-2069}, doi = {10.1039/c4ra06815g}, pages = {35099 -- 35105}, year = {2014}, abstract = {Polyglycolide (PGA) is a biodegradable polymer with multiple applications in the medical sector. Here the synthesis of high molecular weight polyglycolide by ring-opening polymerization of diglycolide is reported. For the first time stabilizer free supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO(2)) was used as a reaction medium. scCO(2) allowed for a reduction in reaction temperature compared to conventional processes. Together with the lowering of monomer concentration and consequently reduced heat generation compared to bulk reactions thermal decomposition of the product occurring already during polymerization is strongly reduced. The reaction temperatures and pressures were varied between 120 and 150 degrees C and 145 to 1400 bar. Tin(II) ethyl hexanoate and 1-dodecanol were used as catalyst and initiator, respectively. The highest number average molecular weight of 31 200 g mol(-1) was obtained in 5 hours from polymerization at 120 degrees C and 530 bar. In all cases the products were obtained as a dry white powder. Remarkably, independent of molecular weight the melting temperatures were always at (219 +/- 2)degrees C.}, language = {en} } @misc{NoechelReddyWangetal.2015, author = {N{\"o}chel, Ulrich and Reddy, Chaganti Srinivasa and Wang, Ke and Cui, Jing and Zizak, Ivo and Behl, Marc and Kratz, Karl and Lendlein, Andreas}, title = {Nanostructural changes in crystallizable controlling units determine the temperature-memory of polymers}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus4-81124}, pages = {8284 -- 8293}, year = {2015}, abstract = {Temperature-memory polymers remember the temperature, where they were deformed recently, enabled by broad thermal transitions. In this study, we explored a series of crosslinked poly[ethylene-co-(vinyl acetate)] networks (cPEVAs) comprising crystallizable polyethylene (PE) controlling units exhibiting a pronounced temperature-memory effect (TME) between 16 and 99 °C related to a broad melting transition (∼100 °C). The nanostructural changes in such cPEVAs during programming and activation of the TME were analyzed via in situ X-ray scattering and specific annealing experiments. Different contributions to the mechanism of memorizing high or low deformation temperatures (Tdeform) were observed in cPEVA, which can be associated to the average PE crystal sizes. At high deformation temperatures (>50 °C), newly formed PE crystals, which are established during cooling when fixing the temporary shape, dominated the TME mechanism. In contrast, at low Tdeform (<50 °C), corresponding to a cold drawing scenario, the deformation led preferably to a disruption of existing large crystals into smaller ones, which then fix the temporary shape upon cooling. The observed mechanism of memorizing a deformation temperature might enable the prediction of the TME behavior and the knowledge based design of other TMPs with crystallizable controlling units.}, language = {en} } @misc{SchmidtBehlLendleinetal.2014, author = {Schmidt, Christian and Behl, Marc and Lendlein, Andreas and Bauermann, Sabine}, title = {Synthesis of high molecular weight polyglycolide in supercritical carbon dioxide}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus4-99439}, year = {2014}, abstract = {Polyglycolide (PGA) is a biodegradable polymer with multiple applications in the medical sector. Here the synthesis of high molecular weight polyglycolide by ring-opening polymerization of diglycolide is reported. For the first time stabilizer free supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) was used as a reaction medium. scCO2 allowed for a reduction in reaction temperature compared to conventional processes. Together with the lowering of monomer concentration and consequently reduced heat generation compared to bulk reactions thermal decomposition of the product occurring already during polymerization is strongly reduced. The reaction temperatures and pressures were varied between 120 and 150 °C and 145 to 1400 bar. Tin(II) ethyl hexanoate and 1-dodecanol were used as catalyst and initiator, respectively. The highest number average molecular weight of 31 200 g mol-1 was obtained in 5 hours from polymerization at 120 °C and 530 bar. In all cases the products were obtained as a dry white powder. Remarkably, independent of molecular weight the melting temperatures were always at (219 ± 2) °C.}, language = {en} } @article{NoechelReddyWangetal.2015, author = {N{\"o}chel, Ulrich and Reddy, Chaganti Srinivasa and Wang, Ke and Cui, Jing and Zizak, Ivo and Behl, Marc and Kratz, Karl and Lendlein, Andreas}, title = {Nanostructural changes in crystallizable controlling units determine the temperature-memory of polymers}, series = {Journal of Materials Chemistry A, Materials for energy and sustainability}, volume = {16}, journal = {Journal of Materials Chemistry A, Materials for energy and sustainability}, number = {3}, publisher = {Royal Society of Chemistry}, address = {Cambridge}, issn = {2050-7488}, doi = {10.1039/c4ta06586g}, pages = {8284 -- 8293}, year = {2015}, abstract = {Temperature-memory polymers remember the temperature, where they were deformed recently, enabled by broad thermal transitions. In this study, we explored a series of crosslinked poly[ethylene-co-(vinyl acetate)] networks (cPEVAs) comprising crystallizable polyethylene (PE) controlling units exhibiting a pronounced temperature-memory effect (TME) between 16 and 99 °C related to a broad melting transition (∼100 °C). The nanostructural changes in such cPEVAs during programming and activation of the TME were analyzed via in situ X-ray scattering and specific annealing experiments. Different contributions to the mechanism of memorizing high or low deformation temperatures (Tdeform) were observed in cPEVA, which can be associated to the average PE crystal sizes. At high deformation temperatures (>50 °C), newly formed PE crystals, which are established during cooling when fixing the temporary shape, dominated the TME mechanism. In contrast, at low Tdeform (<50 °C), corresponding to a cold drawing scenario, the deformation led preferably to a disruption of existing large crystals into smaller ones, which then fix the temporary shape upon cooling. The observed mechanism of memorizing a deformation temperature might enable the prediction of the TME behavior and the knowledge based design of other TMPs with crystallizable controlling units.}, language = {en} } @article{MelchertYongvongsoontornBehletal.2012, author = {Melchert, Christian and Yongvongsoontorn, Nunnarpas and Behl, Marc and Lendlein, Andreas}, title = {Synthesis and characterization of telechelic oligoethers with terminal cinnamylidene acetic acid moieties}, series = {Journal of applied biomaterials \& functional materials}, volume = {10}, journal = {Journal of applied biomaterials \& functional materials}, number = {3}, publisher = {Wichtig}, address = {Milano}, issn = {2280-8000}, doi = {10.5301/JABFM.2012.10364}, pages = {185 -- 190}, year = {2012}, abstract = {Purpose: The formation of photoresponsive hydrogels were reported by irradiation of star-shaped poly(ethylene glycol)s with terminal cinnamylidene acetic acid (CAA) groups, which are capable of a photoinduced [2+2] cycloaddition. In this study we explored whether oligo(ethylene glycol) s and oligo(propylene glycol)s of varying molecular architecture (linear or star-shaped) or molecular weights could be functionalized with CAA as terminal groups by esterification or by amide formation. Methods: Oligo(ethylene glycol) (OEG) and oligo(propylene glycol) (OPG) with varying molecular architecture (linear, star-shaped) and weight average molecular weights between 1000 and 5000 g.mol(-1) were functionalized by means of esterification of hydroxyl or amine endgroups with cinnamylidene acetic acid (CAA) or cinnamylidene acetyl chloride (CAC) as telechelic endgroups. The chemical structure, thermal properties, and molecular weights of the oligoethers obtained were determined by NMR spectroscopy, UV spectroscopy, DSC, and MALDI-TOF. Results: CAA-functionalized linear and star-shaped OEGs or OPGs could be obtained with a degree of functionalization higher than 90\%. In MALDI-TOF measurements an increase in Mw of about 150 g.mol(-1) (for each terminal end) after the functionalization reaction was observed. OEGCAA and OPGCAA showed an increase in glass transition temperature (T-g) from about -70 degrees C to -50 degrees C, compared to the unfunctionalized oligoethers. In addition, the melting temperature (T-m) of OEGCAA decreased from about 55 C to 30 degrees C, which can be accounted for by the hampered crystallization of the precursors because of the bulky CAA end groups as well as by the loss of the hydroxyl telechelic end groups. Conclusion: The synthesis of photoresponsive oligoethers containing cinnamylidene acetic acid as telechelic endgroup was reported and high degrees of functionalization could be achieved. Such photosensitive oligomers are promising candidates as reactive precursors, for the preparation of biocompatible high molecular weight polymers and polymer networks.}, language = {en} } @article{RazzaqBehlHeucheletal.2019, author = {Razzaq, Muhammad Yasar and Behl, Marc and Heuchel, Matthias and Lendlein, Andreas}, title = {Matching magnetic heating and thermal actuation for sequential coupling in hybrid composites by design}, series = {Macromolecular rapid communications}, volume = {41}, journal = {Macromolecular rapid communications}, number = {1}, publisher = {Wiley-VCH}, address = {Weinheim}, issn = {1022-1336}, doi = {10.1002/marc.201900440}, pages = {7}, year = {2019}, abstract = {Sequentially coupling two material functions requires matching the output from the first with the input of the second function. Here, magnetic heating controls thermal actuation of a hybrid composite in a challenging system environment causing an elevated level of heat loss. The concept is a hierarchical design consisting of an inner actuator of nanocomposite material, which can be remotely heated by exposure to an alternating magnetic field (AMF) and outer layers of a porous composite system with a closed pore morphology. These porous layers act as heat insulators and as barriers to the surrounding water. By exposure to the AMF, a local bulk temperature of 71 degrees C enables the magnetic actuation of the device, while the temperature of the surrounding water is kept below 50 degrees C. Interestingly, the heat loss during magnetic heating leads to an increase of the water phase (small volume) temperature. The temperature increase is able to sequentially trigger an adjacent thermal actuator attached to the actuator composite. In this way it could be demonstrated how the AMF is able to initiate two kinds of independent actuations, which might be interesting for robotics operating in aqueous environments.}, language = {en} } @article{MelchertBehlNoecheletal.2012, author = {Melchert, Christian and Behl, Marc and N{\"o}chel, Ulrich and Lendlein, Andreas}, title = {Influence of Comesogens on the Thermal and Actuation Properties of 2-tert-Butyl-1,4-bis[4-(4-pentenyloxy)benzoyl]hydroquinone Based Nematic Main-Chain Liquid Crystalline Elastomers}, series = {Macromolecular materials and engineering}, volume = {297}, journal = {Macromolecular materials and engineering}, number = {12}, publisher = {Wiley-VCH}, address = {Weinheim}, issn = {1438-7492}, doi = {10.1002/mame.201200238}, pages = {1203 -- 1212}, year = {2012}, abstract = {Although the shape-changing capabilities of LCEs hold great potential for applications ranging from micropumps to artificial muscles, customization of the LCE functionality to the applications' requirements is still a challenge. It is studied whether the orientation of NMC-LCPs and NMC-LCEs based on 2-tert-butyl-1,4-bis[4-(4-pentenyloxy)benzoyl]hydroquinone can be enhanced by copolymerization with 2-methyl-1,4-bis[4-(4-pentenyloxy)benzoyl]hydroquinone or 2,6-bis[4-(4-pentenyl-oxy)-benzoyl]anthracene. An increasing content of the comonomers stabilizes the nematic phase, which enables a tailoring of T-NI for the NMC-LCP between 45 and 68 degrees C, while for the NMC-LCE T-NI ranges between 69 and 76 degrees C. In addition, NMC-LCE show an increased actuation performance.}, language = {en} } @article{RazzaqBehlFranketal.2012, author = {Razzaq, Muhammad Yasar and Behl, Marc and Frank, Ute and Koetz, Joachim and Szczerba, Wojciech and Lendlein, Andreas}, title = {Oligo(omega-pentadecalactone) decorated magnetic nanoparticles}, series = {Journal of materials chemistry}, volume = {22}, journal = {Journal of materials chemistry}, number = {18}, publisher = {Royal Society of Chemistry}, address = {Cambridge}, issn = {0959-9428}, doi = {10.1039/c2jm16146j}, pages = {9237 -- 9243}, year = {2012}, abstract = {Hybrid magnetic nanoparticles (mgNP) with a magnetite core diameter of 10 +/- 1 nm surface functionalized with oligo(omega-pentadecalactone) (OPDL) oligomers with M-n between 1300 and 3300 g mol(-1) could be successfully prepared having OPDL grafted from 200 mg g(-1) to 2170 mg g(-1). The particles are dispersible in chloroform resulting in stable suspensions. Magnetic response against an external magnetic field proved the superparamagnetic nature of the particles with a low coercivity (B-c) value of 297 mu T. The combination of the advantageous superparamagnetism of the mgNP with the exceptional stability of OPDL makes these novel hybrid mgNP promising candidates as multifunctional building blocks for magnetic nanocomposites with tunable physical properties.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{BehlKratzNoecheletal.2014, author = {Behl, Marc and Kratz, Karl and N{\"o}chel, Ulrich and Sauter, Tilman and Lendlein, Andreas}, title = {Polymer networks capable of reversible shape-memory-effects}, series = {Abstracts of papers : joint conference / The Chemical Institute of Cananda, CIC, American Chemical Society, ACS}, volume = {248}, booktitle = {Abstracts of papers : joint conference / The Chemical Institute of Cananda, CIC, American Chemical Society, ACS}, publisher = {American Chemical Society}, address = {Washington}, issn = {0065-7727}, pages = {1}, year = {2014}, language = {en} } @unpublished{BaudisBehlLendlein2014, author = {Baudis, Stefan and Behl, Marc and Lendlein, Andreas}, title = {Smart polymers for biomedical applications}, series = {Macromolecular chemistry and physics}, volume = {215}, journal = {Macromolecular chemistry and physics}, number = {24}, publisher = {Wiley-VCH}, address = {Weinheim}, issn = {1022-1352}, doi = {10.1002/macp.201400561}, pages = {2399 -- 2402}, year = {2014}, language = {en} } @article{NoechelReddyWangetal.2015, author = {N{\"o}chel, Ulrich and Reddy, Chaganti Srinivasa and Wang, Ke and Cui, Jing and Zizak, Ivo and Behl, Marc and Kratz, Karl and Lendlein, Andreas}, title = {Nanostructural changes in crystallizable controlling units determine the temperature-memory of polymers}, series = {Journal of materials chemistry : A, Materials for energy and sustainability}, volume = {3}, journal = {Journal of materials chemistry : A, Materials for energy and sustainability}, number = {16}, publisher = {Royal Society of Chemistry}, address = {Cambridge}, issn = {2050-7488}, doi = {10.1039/c4ta06586g}, pages = {8284 -- 8293}, year = {2015}, abstract = {Temperature-memory polymers remember the temperature, where they were deformed recently, enabled by broad thermal transitions. In this study, we explored a series of crosslinked poly[ethylene-co-(vinyl acetate)] networks (cPEVAs) comprising crystallizable polyethylene (PE) controlling units exhibiting a pronounced temperature-memory effect (TME) between 16 and 99 degrees C related to a broad melting transition (similar to 100 degrees C). The nanostructural changes in such cPEVAs during programming and activation of the TME were analyzed via in situ X-ray scattering and specific annealing experiments. Different contributions to the mechanism of memorizing high or low deformation temperatures (T-deform) were observed in cPEVA, which can be associated to the average PE crystal sizes. At high deformation temperatures (>50 degrees C), newly formed PE crystals, which are established during cooling when fixing the temporary shape, dominated the TME mechanism. In contrast, at low T-deform (<50 degrees C), corresponding to a cold drawing scenario, the deformation led preferably to a disruption of existing large crystals into smaller ones, which then fix the temporary shape upon cooling. The observed mechanism of memorizing a deformation temperature might enable the prediction of the TME behavior and the knowledge based design of other TMPs with crystallizable controlling units.}, language = {en} } @article{YanFangWeigeletal.2017, author = {Yan, Wan and Fang, Liang and Weigel, Thomas and Behl, Marc and Kratz, Karl and Lendlein, Andreas}, title = {The influence of thermal treatment on the morphology in differently prepared films of a oligodepsipeptide based multiblock copolymer}, series = {Polymers for advanced technologies}, volume = {28}, journal = {Polymers for advanced technologies}, publisher = {Wiley}, address = {Hoboken}, issn = {1042-7147}, doi = {10.1002/pat.3953}, pages = {1339 -- 1345}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Degradable multiblock copolymers prepared from equal weight amounts of poly(epsilon-caprolactone)-diol (PCL-diol) and poly[oligo(3S-iso-butylmorpholine-2,5-dione)]-diol (PIBMD-diol), named PCL-PIBMD, provide a phase-segregated morphology. It exhibits a low melting temperature from PCL domains (T-m,T-PCL) of 382 degrees C and a high T-m,T-PIBMD of 170 +/- 2 degrees C with a glass transition temperature (T-g,T-PIBMD) at 42 +/- 2 degrees C from PIBMD domains. In this study, we explored the influence of applying different thermal treatments on the resulting morphologies of solution-cast and spin-coated PCL-PIBMD thin films, which showed different initial surface morphologies. Differential scanning calorimetry results and atomic force microscopy images after different thermal treatments indicated that PCL and PIBMD domains showed similar crystallization behaviors in 270 +/- 30 mu m thick solution-cast films as well as in 30 +/- 2 and 8 +/- 1nm thick spin-coated PCL-PIBMD films. Existing PIBMD crystalline domains highly restricted the generation of PCL crystalline domains during cooling when the sample was annealed at 180 degrees C. By annealing the sample above 120 degrees C, the PIBMD domains crystallized sufficiently and covered the free surface, which restricted the crystallization of PCL domains during cooling. The PCL domains can crystallize by hindering the crystallization of PIBMD domains via the fast vitrification of PIBMD domains when the sample was cooled/quenched in liquid nitrogen after annealing at 180 degrees C. These findings contribute to a better fundamental understanding of the crystallization mechanism of multi-block copolymers containing two crystallizable domains whereby the T-g of the higher melting domain type is in the same temperature range as the T-m of the lower melting domain type. Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley \& Sons, Ltd.}, language = {en} } @article{ZhangBehlPengetal.2016, author = {Zhang, Pengfei and Behl, Marc and Peng, Xingzhou and Razzaq, Muhammad Yasar and Lendlein, Andreas}, title = {Ultrasonic Cavitation Induced Shape-Memory Effect in Porous Polymer Networks}, series = {Macromolecular rapid communications}, volume = {37}, journal = {Macromolecular rapid communications}, publisher = {Wiley-VCH}, address = {Weinheim}, issn = {1022-1336}, doi = {10.1002/marc.201600439}, pages = {1897 -- 1903}, year = {2016}, abstract = {Inspired by the application of ultrasonic cavitation based mechanical force (CMF) to open small channels in natural soft materials (skin or tissue), it is explored whether an artificial polymer network can be created, in which shape-changes can be induced by CMF. This concept comprises an interconnected macroporous rhodium-phosphine (Rh-P) coordination polymer network, in which a CMF can reversibly dissociate the Rh-P microphases. In this way, the ligand exchange of Rh-P coordination bonds in the polymer network is accelerated, resulting in a topological rearrangement of molecular switches. This rearrangement of molecular switches enables the polymer network to release internal tension under ultrasound exposure, resulting in a CMF-induced shape-memory capability. The interconnected macroporous structure with thin pore walls is essential for allowing the CMF to effectively permeate throughout the polymer network. Potential applications of this CMF-induced shape-memory polymer can be mechanosensors or ultrasound controlled switches.}, language = {en} } @article{ZhangBehlPengetal.2019, author = {Zhang, Pengfei and Behl, Marc and Peng, Xingzhou and Balk, Maria and Lendlein, Andreas}, title = {Chemoresponsive Shape-Memory Effect of Rhodium-Phosphine Coordination Polymer Networks}, series = {Chemistry of materials : a publication of the American Chemical Society}, volume = {31}, journal = {Chemistry of materials : a publication of the American Chemical Society}, number = {15}, publisher = {American Chemical Society}, address = {Washington}, issn = {0897-4756}, doi = {10.1021/acs.chemmater.9b00363}, pages = {5402 -- 5407}, year = {2019}, abstract = {Chemoresponsive polymers are of technological significance for smart sensors or systems capable of molecular recognition. An important key requirement for these applications is the material's structural integrity after stimulation. We explored whether covalently cross-linked metal ion-phosphine coordination polymers (MPN) can be shaped into any temporary shape and are capable of recovering from this upon chemoresponsive exposure to triphenylphosphine (Ph3P) ligands, whereas the MPN provide structural integrity. Depending on the metal-ion concentration used during synthesis of the MPN, the degree of swelling of the coordination polymer networks could be adjusted. Once the MPN was immersed into Ph3P solution, the reversible ligand-exchange reaction between the metal ions and the free Ph3P in solution causes a decrease of the coordination cross-link density in MPN again. The Ph3P-treated MPN was able to maintain its original shape, indicating a certain stability of shape even after stimulation. In this way, chemoresponsive control of the elastic properties (increase in volume and decrease of mechanical strength) of the MPN was demonstrated. This remarkable behavior motivated us to explore whether the MPN are capable of a chemoresponsive shape-memory effect. In initial experiments, shape fixity of around 60\% and shape recovery of almost 90\% were achieved when the MPN was exposed to Ph3P in case of rhodium. Potential applications for chemoresponsive shape-memory systems could be shapable semiconductors, e.g., for lighting or catalysts, which provide catalytic activity on demand.}, language = {en} } @article{MazurekBudzyńskaBehlRazzaqetal.2019, author = {Mazurek-Budzyńska, Magdalena and Behl, Marc and Razzaq, Muhammad Yasar and N{\"o}chel, Ulrich and Rokicki, Gabriel and Lendlein, Andreas}, title = {Hydrolytic stability of aliphatic poly(carbonate-urea-urethane)s: Influence of hydrocarbon chain length in soft segment}, series = {Polymer Degradation and Stability}, volume = {161}, journal = {Polymer Degradation and Stability}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Oxford}, issn = {0141-3910}, pages = {283 -- 297}, year = {2019}, abstract = {Poly(carbonate-urethane)s (PCUs) exhibit improved resistance to hydrolytic degradation and in vivo stress cracking compared to poly(ester-urethane)s and their degradation leads to lower inflammation of the surrounding tissues. Therefore, PCUs are promising implant materials and are considered for devices such as artificial heart or spine implants. In this work, the hydrolytic stability of different poly(carbonate-urethane-urea)s (PCUUs) was studied under variation of the length of hydrocarbon chain (6, 9, 10, and 12 methylene units) between the carbonate linkages in the precursors. PCUUs were synthesized from isophorone diisocyanate and oligo(alkylene carbonate) diols using the moisture-cure method. The changes of sample weight, thermal and mechanical properties, morphology, as well as the degradation products after immersion in a buffer solution (PBS, pH = 7.4) for up to 10 weeks at 37 degrees C were monitored and analyzed. In addition, mechanical properties after 20 weeks (in PBS, 37 degrees C) were investigated. The gel content was determined based on swelling experiments in chloroform. Based on the DSC analysis, slight increases of melting transitions of PCUUs were observed, which were attributed to structure reorganization related to annealing at 37 degrees C rather than to the degradation of the PCUU. Tensile strength after 20 weeks of all investigated samples remained in the range of 29-39 MPa, whereas the elongation at break e(m) decreased only slightly and remained in the range between 670 and 800\%. Based on the characterization of degradation products after up to 10 weeks of immersion it was assessed that oligomers are mainly consisting of hard segments containing urea linkages, which could be assigned to hindered-urea dissociation mechanism. The investigations confirmed good resistance of PCUUs to hydrolysis. Only minor changes in the crystallinity, as well as thermal and mechanical properties were observed and depended on hydrocarbon chain length in soft segment of PCUUs. (C) 2019 Published by Elsevier Ltd.}, language = {en} } @article{ZhangRudolphBenitezetal.2019, author = {Zhang, Quanchao and Rudolph, Tobias and Benitez, Alejandro J. and Gould, Oliver E. C. and Behl, Marc and Kratz, Karl and Lendlein, Andreas}, title = {Temperature-controlled reversible pore size change of electrospun fibrous shape-memory polymer actuator based meshes}, series = {Smart materials and structures}, volume = {28}, journal = {Smart materials and structures}, number = {5}, publisher = {IOP Publ. Ltd.}, address = {Bristol}, issn = {0964-1726}, doi = {10.1088/1361-665X/ab10a1}, pages = {10}, year = {2019}, abstract = {Fibrous membranes capable of dynamically responding to external stimuli are highly desirable in textiles and biomedical materials, where adaptive behavior is required to accommodate complex environmental changes. For example, the creation of fabrics with temperature-dependent moisture permeability or self-regulating membranes for air filtration is dependent on the development of materials that exhibit a reversible stimuli-responsive pore size change. Here, by imbuing covalently crosslinked poly(ε-caprolactone) (cPCL) fibrous meshes with a reversible bidirectional shape-memory polymer actuation (rbSMPA) we create a material capable of temperature-controlled changes in porosity. Cyclic thermomechanical testing was used to characterize the mechanical properties of the meshes, which were composed of randomly arranged microfibers with diameters of 2.3 ± 0.6 μm giving an average pore size of approx. 10 μm. When subjected to programming strains of εm = 300\% and 100\% reversible strain changes of εʹrev = 22\% ± 1\% and 6\% ± 1\% were measured, with switching temperature ranges of 10 °C-30 °C and 45 °C-60 °C for heating and cooling, respectively. The rbSMPA of cPCL fibrous meshes generated a microscale reversible pore size change of 11\% ± 3\% (an average of 1.5 ± 0.6 μm), as measured by scanning electron microscopy. The incorporation of a two-way shape-memory actuation capability into fibrous meshes is anticipated to advance the development and application of smart membrane materials, creating commercially viable textiles and devices with enhanced performance and novel functionality.}, language = {en} } @article{BalkBehlLendlein2019, author = {Balk, Maria and Behl, Marc and Lendlein, Andreas}, title = {Quadruple-shape hydrogels}, series = {Smart materials and structures}, volume = {28}, journal = {Smart materials and structures}, number = {5}, publisher = {IOP Publ. Ltd.}, address = {Bristol}, issn = {0964-1726}, doi = {10.1088/1361-665X/ab0e91}, pages = {10}, year = {2019}, abstract = {The capability of directed movements by two subsequent shape changes could be implemented in shape-memory hydrogels by incorporation of two types of crystallizable side chains While in non-swollen polymer networks even more directed movements could be realized, the creation of multi-shape hydrogels is still a challenge. We hypothesize that a quadruple-shape effect in hydrogels can be realized, when a swelling capacity almost independent of temperature is generated, whereby directed movements could be enabled, which are not related to swelling. In this case, entropy elastic recovery could be realized by hydrophilic segments and the fixation of different macroscopic shapes by means of three semi-crystalline side chains generating temporary crosslinks. Monomethacrylated semi-crystalline oligomers were connected as side chains in a hydrophilic polymer network via radical copolymerization. Computer assisted modelling was utilized to design a demonstrator capable of complex shape shifts by creating a casting mold via 3D printing from polyvinyl alcohol. The demonstrator was obtained after copolymerization of polymer network forming components within the mold, which was subsequently dissolved in water. A thermally-induced quadruple-shape effect was realized after equilibrium swelling of the polymer network in water. Three directed movements were successfully obtained when the temperature was continuously increased from 5 degrees C to 90 degrees C with a recovery ratio of the original shape above 90\%. Hence, a thermally-induced quadruple-shape effect as new record for hydrogels was realized. Here, the temperature range for the multi-shape effect was limited by water as swelling media (0 degrees C-100 degrees C), simultaneously distinctly separated thermal transitions were required, and the overall elasticity indispensable for successive deformations was reduced as result of partially chain segment orientation induced by swelling in water. Conclusively the challenges for penta- or hexa-shape gels are the design of systems enabling higher elastic deformability and covering a larger temperature range by switching to a different solvent.}, language = {en} } @article{YanRudolphNoecheletal.2018, author = {Yan, Wan and Rudolph, Tobias and N{\"o}chel, Ulrich and Gould, Oliver E. C. and Behl, Marc and Kratz, Karl and Lendlein, Andreas}, title = {Reversible actuation of thermoplastic multiblock copolymers with overlapping thermal transitions of crystalline and glassy domains}, series = {Macromolecules : a publication of the American Chemical Society}, volume = {51}, journal = {Macromolecules : a publication of the American Chemical Society}, number = {12}, publisher = {American Chemical Society}, address = {Washington}, issn = {0024-9297}, doi = {10.1021/acs.macromol.8b00322}, pages = {4624 -- 4632}, year = {2018}, abstract = {Polymeric materials possessing specific features like programmability, high deformability, and easy processability are highly desirable for creating modern actuating systems. In this study, thermoplastic shape-memory polymer actuators obtained by combining crystallizable poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL) and poly(3S-isobutylmorpholin-2,5-dione) (PIBMD) segments in multiblock copolymers are described. We designed these materials according to our hypothesis that the confinement of glassy PIBMD domains present at the upper actuation temperature contribute to the stability of the actuator skeleton, especially at large programming strains. The copolymers have a phase-segregated morphology, indicated by the well-separated melting and glass transition temperatures for PIBMD and PCL, but possess a partially overlapping T-m of PCL and T-g of PIBMD in the temperature interval from 40 to 60 degrees C. Crystalline PIBMD hard domains act as strong physical netpoints in the PIBMD-PCL bulk material enabling high deformability (up to 2000\%) and good elastic recoverability (up to 80\% at 50 degrees C above T-m,T-PCL). In the programmed thermoplastic actuators a high content of crystallizable PCL actuation domains ensures pronounced thermoreversible shape changes upon repetitive cooling and heating. The programmed actuator skeleton, composed of PCL crystals present at the upper actuation temperature T-high and the remaining glassy PIBMD domains, enabled oriented crystallization upon cooling. The actuation performance of PIBMD-PCL could be tailored by balancing the interplay between actuation and skeleton, but also by varying the quantity of crystalline PIBMD hard domains via the copolymer composition, the applied programming strain, and the choice of T-high. The actuator with 17 mol\% PIBMD showed the highest reversible elongation of 11.4\% when programmed to a strain of 900\% at 50 degrees C. It is anticipated that the presented thermoplastic actuator materials can be applied as modern compression textiles.}, language = {en} } @article{PengBehlZhangetal.2018, author = {Peng, Xingzhou and Behl, Marc and Zhang, Pengfei and Mazurek-Budzynska, Magdalena and Feng, Yakai and Lendlein, Andreas}, title = {Synthesis of Well-Defined Dihydroxy Telechelics by (Co)polymerization of Morpholine-2,5-Diones Catalyzed by Sn(IV) Alkoxide}, series = {Macromolecular bioscience}, volume = {18}, journal = {Macromolecular bioscience}, number = {12}, publisher = {Wiley-VCH}, address = {Weinheim}, issn = {1616-5187}, doi = {10.1002/mabi.201800257}, pages = {11}, year = {2018}, abstract = {Well-defined dihydroxy telechelic oligodepsipeptides (oDPs), which have a high application potential as building blocks for scaffold materials for tissue engineering applications or particulate carrier systems for drug delivery applications are synthesized by ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of morpholine-2,5-diones (MDs) catalyzed by 1,1,6,6-tetra-n-butyl-1,6-distanna-2,5,7,10-tetraoxacyclodecane (Sn(IV) alkoxide). In contrast to ROP catalyzed by Sn(Oct)(2), the usage of Sn(IV) alkoxide leads to oDPs, with less side products and well-defined end groups, which is crucial for potential pharmaceutical applications. A slightly faster reaction of the ROP catalyzed by Sn(IV) alkoxide compared to the ROP initiated by Sn(Oct)(2)/EG is found. Copolymerization of different MDs resulted in amorphous copolymers with T(g)s between 44 and 54 degrees C depending on the molar comonomer ratios in the range from 25\% to 75\%. Based on the well-defined telechelic character of the Sn(IV) alkoxide synthesized oDPs as determined by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight measurements, they resemble interesting building blocks for subsequent postfunctionalization or multifunctional materials based on multiblock copolymer systems whereas the amorphous oDP-based copolymers are interesting building blocks for matrices of drug delivery systems.}, language = {en} } @article{BalkBehlLendlein2019, author = {Balk, Maria and Behl, Marc and Lendlein, Andreas}, title = {Hydrolytic Degradation of Actuators Based on Copolymer Networks From Oligo(epsilon-caprolactone) Dimethacrylate and n-Butyl Acrylate}, series = {MRS advances}, volume = {4}, journal = {MRS advances}, number = {21}, publisher = {Cambridge Univ. Press}, address = {New York}, issn = {2059-8521}, doi = {10.1557/adv.2019.202}, pages = {1193 -- 1205}, year = {2019}, abstract = {Shape-memory polymer actuators often contain crystallizable polyester segments. Here, the influence of accelerated hydrolytic degradation on the actuation performance in copolymer networks based on oligo(epsilon-caprolactone) dimethacrylate (OCL) and n-butyl acrylate is studied The semi-crystalline OCL was utilized as crosslinker with molecular weights of 2.3 and 15.2 kg.mol(-1) (ratio: 1:1 wt\%) and n-butyl acrylate (25 wt\% relative to OCL content) acted as softening agent creating the polymer main chain segments within the network architecture. The copolymer networks were programmed by 50\% elongation and were degraded by means of alkaline hydrolysis utilizing sodium hydroxide solution (pH = 13). Experiments were performed in the range of the broad melting range of the actuators at 40 degrees C. The degradation of test specimen was monitored by the sample mass, which was reduced by 25 wt\% within 105 d .45 degradation products, fragments of OCL with molecular masses ranging from 400 to 50.000 g.mol(-1) could be detected by NMR spectroscopy and GPC measurements. The cleavage of ester groups included in OCL segments resulted in a decrease of the melting temperature (T-m) related to the actuator domains (amorphous at the temperature of degradation) and simultaneously, the T-m associated to the skeleton domain was increased (semi-crystalline at the temperature of degradation). The alkaline hydrolysis decreased the polymer chain orientation of OCL domains until a random alignment of crystalline domains was obtained. This result was confirmed by cyclic thermomechanical actuation tests. The performance of directed movements decreased almost linearly as function of degradation time resulting in the loss of functionality when the orientation of polymer chains disappeared. Here, actuators were able to provide reversible movements until 91 d when the accelerated bulk degradation procedure using alkaline hydrolysis (pH = 13) was applied. Accordingly, a lifetime of more than one year can be guaranteed under physiological conditions (pH = 7.4) when, e.g., artificial muscles for biomimetic robots as potential application for these kind of shape-memory polymer actuators will be addressed.}, language = {en} } @article{WangRazzaqRudolphetal.2018, author = {Wang, Li and Razzaq, Muhammad Yasar and Rudolph, Tobias and Heuchel, Matthias and N{\"o}chel, Ulrich and Mansfeld, Ulrich and Jiang, Yi and Gould, Oliver E. C. and Behl, Marc and Kratz, Karl and Lendlein, Andreas}, title = {Reprogrammable, magnetically controlled polymeric nanocomposite actuators}, series = {Material horizons}, volume = {5}, journal = {Material horizons}, number = {5}, publisher = {Royal Society of Chemistry}, address = {Cambridge}, issn = {2051-6347}, doi = {10.1039/c8mh00266e}, pages = {861 -- 867}, year = {2018}, abstract = {Soft robots and devices with the advanced capability to perform adaptive motions similar to that of human beings often have stimuli-sensitive polymeric materials as the key actuating component. The external signals triggering the smart polymers' actuations can be transmitted either via a direct physical connection between actuator and controlling unit (tethered) or remotely without a connecting wire. However, the vast majority of such polymeric actuator materials are limited to one specific type of motion as their geometrical information is chemically fixed. Here, we present magnetically driven nanocomposite actuators, which can be reversibly reprogrammed to different actuation geometries by a solely physical procedure. Our approach is based on nanocomposite materials comprising spatially segregated crystallizable actuation and geometry determining units. Upon exposure to a specific magnetic field strength the actuators' geometric memory is erased by the melting of the geometry determining units allowing the implementation of a new actuator shape. The actuation performance of the nanocomposites can be tuned and the technical significance was demonstrated in a multi-cyclic experiment with several hundreds of repetitive free-standing shape shifts without losing performance.}, language = {en} } @article{MazurekBudzynskaRazzaqBehletal.2019, author = {Mazurek-Budzynska, Magdalena and Razzaq, Muhammad Yasar and Behl, Marc and Lendlein, Andreas}, title = {Shape-Memory Polymers}, series = {Functional Polymers}, journal = {Functional Polymers}, publisher = {Springer}, address = {Cham}, isbn = {978-3-319-95987-0}, issn = {2510-3458}, doi = {10.1007/978-3-319-95987-0_18}, pages = {605 -- 663}, year = {2019}, abstract = {Shape-memory polymers (SMPs) are stimuli-sensitive materials capable of changing their shape on demand. A shape-memory function is a result of the polymer architecture together with the application of a specific programming procedure. Various possible mechanisms to induce the shape-memory effect (SME) can be realized, which can be based on thermal transitions of switching domains or on reversible molecular switches (e.g., supramolecular interactions, reversible covalent bonds). Netpoints, which connect the switching domains and determine the permanent shape, can be either provided by covalent bonds or by physical intermolecular interactions, such as hydrogen bonds or crystallites. This chapter reviews different ways of implementing the phenomenon of programmable changes in the polymer shape, including the one-way shape-memory effect (1-W SME), triple-and multi-shape effects (TSE/ MSE), the temperature-memory effect (TME), and reversible shape-memory effects, which can be realized in constant stress conditions (rSME), or in stress-free conditions (reversible bidirectional shape-memory effect (rbSME)). Furthermore, magnetically actuated SMPs and shape-memory hydrogels (SMHs) are described to show the potential of the SMP technology in biomedical applications and multifunctional approaches.}, language = {en} } @article{RazzaqBehlLendlein2019, author = {Razzaq, Muhammad Yasar and Behl, Marc and Lendlein, Andreas}, title = {Magneto-Mechanical Actuators with Reversible Stretching and Torsional Actuation Capabilities}, series = {MRS Advances}, volume = {4}, journal = {MRS Advances}, number = {19}, publisher = {Cambridge Univ. Press}, address = {New York}, issn = {2059-8521}, doi = {10.1557/adv.2019.123}, pages = {1057 -- 1065}, year = {2019}, abstract = {Composite actuators consisting of magnetic nanoparticles dispersed in a crystallizable multiphase polymer system can be remotely controlled by alternating magnetic fields (AMF). These actuators contain spatially segregated crystalline domains with chemically different compositions. Here, the crystalline domain associated to low melting transition range is responsible for actuation while the crystalline domain associated to the higher melting transition range determines the geometry of the shape change. This paper reports magnetomechanical actuators which are based on a single crystalline domain of oligo(omega-pentadecalactone) (OPDL) along with covalently integrated iron(III) oxide nanoparticles (ioNPs). Different geometrical modes of actuation such as a reversible change in length or twisting were implemented by a magneto-mechanical programming procedure. For an individual actuation mode, the degree of actuation could be tailored by variation of the magnetic field strengths. This material design can be easily extended to other composites containing other magnetic nanoparticles, e.g. with a high magnetic susceptibility.}, language = {en} } @article{FarhanChaudharyNoecheletal.2020, author = {Farhan, Muhammad and Chaudhary, Deeptangshu and N{\"o}chel, Ulrich and Behl, Marc and Kratz, Karl and Lendlein, Andreas}, title = {Electrical actuation of coated and composite fibers based on poly[ethylene-co-(vinyl acetate)]}, series = {Macromolecular materials and engineering}, volume = {306}, journal = {Macromolecular materials and engineering}, number = {2}, publisher = {Wiley-VCH}, address = {Weinheim}, issn = {1438-7492}, doi = {10.1002/mame.202000579}, pages = {8}, year = {2020}, abstract = {Robots are typically controlled by electrical signals. Resistive heating is an option to electrically trigger actuation in thermosensitive polymer systems. In this study electrically triggerable poly[ethylene-co-(vinyl acetate)] (PEVA)-based fiber actuators are realized as composite fibers as well as polymer fibers with conductive coatings. In the coated fibers, the core consists of crosslinked PEVA (cPEVA), while the conductive coating shell is achieved via a dip coating procedure with a coating thickness between 10 and 140 mu m. The conductivity of coated fibers sigma = 300-550 S m(-1) is much higher than that of the composite fibers sigma = 5.5 S m(-1). A voltage (U) of 110 V is required to heat 30 cm of coated fiber to a targeted temperature of approximate to 65 degrees C for switching in less than a minute. Cyclic electrical actuation investigations reveal epsilon '(rev) = 5 +/- 1\% reversible change in length for coated fibers. The fabrication of such electro-conductive polymeric actuators is suitable for upscaling so that their application potential as artificial muscles can be explored in future studies.}, language = {en} } @article{RazzaqBehlLendlein2018, author = {Razzaq, Muhammad Yasar and Behl, Marc and Lendlein, Andreas}, title = {Thermally-induced actuation of magnetic nanocomposites based on Oligo(ω-pentadecalactone) and covalently integrated magnetic nanoparticles}, series = {MRS advances: a journal of the Materials Research Society (MRS)}, volume = {3}, journal = {MRS advances: a journal of the Materials Research Society (MRS)}, number = {63}, publisher = {Cambridge University Press}, address = {New York}, issn = {2059-8521}, doi = {10.1557/adv.2018.613}, pages = {3783 -- 3791}, year = {2018}, abstract = {The incorporation of inorganic particles in a polymer matrix has been established as a method to adjust the mechanical performance of composite materials. We report on the influence of covalent integration of magnetic nanoparticles (MNP) on the actuation behavior and mechanical performance of hybrid nanocomposite (H-NC) based shape-memory polymer actuators (SMPA). The H-NC were synthesized by reacting two types of oligo(ω-pentadecalactone) (OPDL) based precursors with terminal hydroxy groups, a three arm OPDL (3 AOPDL, Mn = 6000 g mol•1-1 ) and an OPDL (Mn =3300 g • mol-1 ) coated magnetite nanoparticle ({\O} = 10 ± 2 nm), with a diisocyanate. These H-NC were compared to the homopolymer network regarding the actuation performance, contractual stress (σcontr) as well as thermal and mechanical properties. The melting range of the OPDL crystals (ΔTm,OPDL) was shifted in homo polymer networks from 36 ºC - 76 ºC to 41ºC - 81 °C for H-NC with 9 wt\% of MNP content. The actuators were explored by variation of separating temperature (Tsep), which splits the OPDL crystalline domain into actuating and geometry determining segments. Tsep was varied in the melting range of the nanocomposites and the actuation capability and contractual stress (σcontr) of the nanocomposite actuators could be adjusted. The reversible strain (εrev) was decreased from 11 ± 0.3\% for homo polymer network to 3.2±0.3\% for H-NC9 with 9 wt\% of MNP indicating a restraining effect of the MNP on chain mobility. The results show that the performance of H-NCs in terms of thermal and elastic properties can be tailored by MNP content, however for higher reversible actuation, lower MNP contents are preferable.}, language = {en} } @article{MazurekBudzyńskaBehlNeumannetal.2022, author = {Mazurek-Budzyńska, Magdalena and Behl, Marc and Neumann, Richard and Lendlein, Andreas}, title = {4D-actuators by 3D-printing combined with water-based curing}, series = {Materials today. Communications}, volume = {30}, journal = {Materials today. Communications}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {2352-4928}, doi = {10.1016/j.mtcomm.2021.102966}, pages = {7}, year = {2022}, abstract = {The shape and the actuation capability of state of the art robotic devices typically relies on multimaterial systems from a combination of geometry determining materials and actuation components. Here, we present multifunctional 4D-actuators processable by 3D-printing, in which the actuator functionality is integrated into the shaped body. The materials are based on crosslinked poly(carbonate-urea-urethane) networks (PCUU), synthesized in an integrated process, applying reactive extrusion and subsequent water-based curing. Actuation capability could be added to the PCUU, prepared from aliphatic oligocarbonate diol, isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI) and water, in a thermomechanical programming process. When programmed with a strain of epsilon(prog) = 1400\% the PCUU networks exhibited actuation apparent by reversible elongation epsilon'(rev) of up to 22\%. In a gripper a reversible bending epsilon'(rev)((be)(nd)()) in the range of 37-60\% was achieved when the actuation temperature (T-high) was varied between 45 degrees C and 49 degrees C. The integration of actuation and shape formation could be impressively demonstrated in two PCUU-based reversible fastening systems, which were able to hold weights of up to 1.1 kg. In this way, the multifunctional materials are interesting candidate materials for robotic applications where a freedom in shape design and actuation is required as well as for sustainable fastening systems.}, language = {en} } @article{PengBehlZhangetal.2017, author = {Peng, Xingzhou and Behl, Marc and Zhang, Pengfei and Mazurek-Budzyńska, Magdalena and Feng, Yakai and Lendlein, Andreas}, title = {Synthesis and characterization of multiblock poly(ester-amide-urethane)s}, series = {MRS advances : a journal of the Materials Research Society (MRS)}, volume = {2}, journal = {MRS advances : a journal of the Materials Research Society (MRS)}, publisher = {Cambridge University Press}, address = {Cambridge}, issn = {2059-8521}, doi = {10.1557/adv.2017.486}, pages = {2551 -- 2559}, year = {2017}, abstract = {In this study, a multiblock copolymer containing oligo(3-methyl-morpholine-2, 5-dione) (oMMD) and oligo(3-sec-butyl-morpholine-2, 5-dione) (oBMD) building blocks obtained by ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of the corresponding monomers, was synthesized in a polyaddition reaction using an aliphatic diisocyanate. The multiblock copolymer (pBMD-MMD) provided a molecular weight of 40, 000 g·mol-1, determined by gel permeation chromatography (GPC). Incorporation of both oligodepsipeptide segments in multiblock copolymers was confirmed by 1H NMR and Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time Of Flight Mass Spectroscopy (MALDI-TOF MS) analysis. pBMD-MMD showed two separated glass transition temperatures (61 °C and 74 °C) indicating a microphase separation. Furthermore, a broad glass transition was observed by DMTA, which can be attributed to strong physical interaction i.e. by H-bonds formed between amide, ester, and urethane groups of the investigated copolymers. The obtained multiblock copolymer is supposed to own the capability to exhibit strong physical interactions.}, language = {en} } @article{YanFangNoecheletal.2018, author = {Yan, Wan and Fang, Liang and N{\"o}chel, Ulrich and Gould, Oliver E. C. and Behl, Marc and Kratz, Karl and Lendlein, Andreas}, title = {Investigating the roles of crystallizable and glassy switching segments within multiblock copolymer shape-memory materials}, series = {MRS Advances}, volume = {3}, journal = {MRS Advances}, number = {63}, publisher = {Cambridge Univ. Press}, address = {New York}, issn = {2059-8521}, doi = {10.1557/adv.2018.590}, pages = {3741 -- 3749}, year = {2018}, abstract = {The variation of the molecular architecture of multiblock copolymers has enabled the introduction of functional behaviour and the control of key mechanical properties. In the current study, we explore the synergistic relationship of two structural components in a shape-memory material formed of a multiblock copolymer with crystallizable poly(epsilon-caprolactone) and crystallizable polyfoligo(3S-iso-butylmorpholine-2,5-dione) segments (PCL-PIBMD). The thermal and structural properties of PCL-PIBMD films were compared with PCI.-PU and PMMD-PU investigated by means of DSC, SAXS and WARS measurements. The shape-memory properties were quantified by cyclic, thermomechanical tensile tests, where deformation strains up to 900\% were applied for programming PCL-PIBMD films at 50 degrees C. Toluene vapor treatment experiments demonstrated that the temporary shape was fixed mainly by glassy PIBMD domains at strains lower than 600\% with the PCL contribution to fixation increasing to 42 +/- 2\% at programming strains of 900\% This study into the shape-memory mechanism of PCL-PIBMD provides insight into the structure function relation in multiblock copolymers with both crystallizable and glassy switching segments.}, language = {en} } @article{BehlRazzaqMazurekBudzynskaetal.2020, author = {Behl, Marc and Razzaq, Muhammad Yasar and Mazurek-Budzynska, Magdalena and Lendlein, Andreas}, title = {Polyetheresterurethane based porous scaffolds with tailorable architectures by supercritical CO2 foaming}, series = {MRS advances}, volume = {5}, journal = {MRS advances}, number = {45}, publisher = {Cambridge University Press}, address = {New York, NY}, issn = {2059-8521}, doi = {10.1557/adv.2020.345}, pages = {2317 -- 2330}, year = {2020}, abstract = {Porous three-dimensional (3D) scaffolds are promising treatment options in regenerative medicine. Supercritical and dense-phase fluid technologies provide an attractive alternative to solvent-based scaffold fabrication methods. In this work, we report on the fabrication of poly-etheresterurethane (PPDO-PCL) based porous scaffolds with tailorable pore size, porosity, and pore interconnectivity by using supercritical CO2(scCO(2)) fluid-foaming. The influence of the processing parameters such as soaking time, soaking temperature and depressurization on porosity, pore size, and interconnectivity of the foams were investigated. The average pore diameter could be varied between 100-800 mu m along with a porosity in the range from (19 +/- 3 to 61 +/- 6)\% and interconnectivity of up to 82\%. To demonstrate their applicability as scaffold materials, selected foams were sterilized via ethylene oxide sterilization. They showed negligible cytotoxicity in tests according to DIN EN ISO 10993-5 and 10993-12 using L929 cells. The study demonstrated that the pore size, porosity and the interconnectivity of this multi-phase semicrystalline polymer could be tailored by careful control of the processing parameters during the scCO(2)foaming process. In this way, PPDO-PCL scaffolds with high porosity and interconnectivity are potential candidate materials for regenerative treatment options.}, language = {en} } @article{BehlZhaoLendlein2020, author = {Behl, Marc and Zhao, Qian and Lendlein, Andreas}, title = {Glucose-responsive shape-memory cryogels}, series = {Journal of materials research : JMR}, volume = {35}, journal = {Journal of materials research : JMR}, number = {18}, publisher = {Springer}, address = {Berlin}, issn = {0884-2914}, doi = {10.1557/jmr.2020.204}, pages = {2396 -- 2404}, year = {2020}, abstract = {Boronic ester bonds can be reversibly formed between phenylboronic acid (PBA) and triol moieties. Here, we aim at a glucose-induced shape-memory effect by implementing such bonds as temporary netpoints, which are cleavable by glucose and by minimizing the volume change upon stimulation by a porous cryogel structure. The polymer system consisted of a semi-interpenetrating network (semi-IPN) architecture, in which the triol moieties were part of the permanent network and the PBA moieties were located in the linear polymer diffused into the semi-IPN. In an alkaline medium (pH = 10), the swelling ratio was approximately 35, independent of C-glu varied between 0 and 300 mg/dL. In bending experiments, shape fixity R-f approximate to 80\% and shape recovery R-r approximate to 100\% from five programming/recovery cycles could be determined. R-r was a function of C-glu in the range from 0 to 300 mg/dL, which accords with the fluctuation range of C-glu in human blood. In this way, the shape-memory hydrogels could play a role in future diabetes treatment options.}, language = {en} } @article{BalkBehlLendlein2020, author = {Balk, Maria and Behl, Marc and Lendlein, Andreas}, title = {Actuators based on oligo[(epsilon-caprolactone)-co-glycolide] with accelerated hydrolytic degradation}, series = {MRS advances : a journal of the Materials Research Society (MRS)}, volume = {5}, journal = {MRS advances : a journal of the Materials Research Society (MRS)}, number = {12-13}, publisher = {Cambridge University Press}, address = {New York, NY}, issn = {2059-8521}, doi = {10.1557/adv.2019.447}, pages = {655 -- 666}, year = {2020}, abstract = {Polyester-based shape-memory polymer actuators are multifunctional materials providing reversible macroscopic shape shifts as well as hydrolytic degradability. Here, the function-function interdependencies (between shape shifts and degradation behaviour) will determine actuation performance and its life time. In this work, glycolide units were incorporated in poly(epsilon-caprolactone) based actuator materials in order to achieve an accelerated hydrolytic degradation and to explore the function-function relationship. Three different oligo[(epsilon-caprolactone)-co-glycolide] copolymers (OCGs) with similar molecular weights (10.5 +/- 0.5 kg center dot mol(-1)) including a glycolide content of 8, 16, and 26 mol\% (ratio 1:1:1 wt\%) terminated with methacrylated moieties were crosslinked. The obtained actuators provided a broad melting transition in the range from 27 to 44 degrees C. The hydrolytic degradation of programmed OCG actuators (200\% of elongation) resulted in a reduction of sample mass to 51 wt\% within 21 days at pH = 7.4 and 40 degrees C. Degradation results in a decrease of T-m associated to the actuating units and increasing T-m associated to the skeleton forming units. The actuation capability decreased almost linear as function of time. After 11 days of hydrolytic degradation the shape-memory functionality was lost. Accordingly, a fast degradation behaviour as required, e.g., for actuator materials intended as implant material can be realized.}, language = {en} } @article{LiangBehlLuetzowetal.2021, author = {Liang, Xiao and Behl, Marc and L{\"u}tzow, Karola and Lendlein, Andreas}, title = {Cooligomers from morpholine-2,5-dione and para-dioxanone and catalyst complex SnOct(2)/2-hydroxyethyl sulfide}, series = {MRS advances : a journal of the Materials Research Society (MRS)}, volume = {6}, journal = {MRS advances : a journal of the Materials Research Society (MRS)}, number = {32}, publisher = {Springer}, address = {Heidelberg}, issn = {2059-8521}, doi = {10.1557/s43580-021-00082-5}, pages = {764 -- 768}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Complexes from catalysts and initiator can be used to insert a specific number of additional chemical functional groups in (co)polymers prepared by ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of lactones. We report on the synthesis of cooligomers from sec-butyl-morpholine-2,5-dione (SBMD) and para-dioxanone (PDX) by ROP with varied feed ratios in the bulk using the catalyst complex SnOct(2)/2-hydroxyethyl sulfide. M-n of the cooligomers (determined by GPC) decreased with decreasing SBMD feed ratio from 4200 +/- 420 to 800 +/- 80 g mol(-1). When the feed ratio was reduced from 80 to 50 mol\% the molar ratio of SBMD of the cooligomers (determined by H-1-NMR) remained nearly unchanged between 81 and 86 mol\% and was attributed to a higher reactivity of SBMD. This assumption was confirmed by fractionation of GPC, in which an increase of SBMD with increasing molecular weight was observed. The catalyst/initiator system provides a high potential to create orthogonal building blocks by cleavage of the sulfide bond.}, language = {en} } @article{IzraylitGouldKratzetal.2020, author = {Izraylit, Victor and Gould, Oliver E. C. and Kratz, Karl and Lendlein, Andreas}, title = {Investigating the phase-morphology of PLLA-PCL multiblock copolymer/PDLA blends cross-linked using stereocomplexation}, series = {MRS advances}, volume = {5}, journal = {MRS advances}, number = {14-15}, publisher = {Cambridge Univ. Press}, address = {New York}, issn = {2059-8521}, doi = {10.1557/adv.2019.465}, pages = {699 -- 707}, year = {2020}, abstract = {The macroscale function of multicomponent polymeric materials is dependent on their phase-morphology. Here, we investigate the morphological structure of a multiblock copolymer consisting of poly(L-lactide) and poly(epsilon-caprolactone) segments (PLLA-PCL), physically cross-linked by stereocomplexation with a low molecular weight poly(D-lactide) oligomer (PDLA). The effects of blend composition and PLLA-PCL molecular structure on the morphology are elucidated by AFM, TEM and SAXS. We identify the formation of a lattice pattern, composed of PLA domains within a PCL matrix, with an average domain spacing d0 = 12 - 19 nm. The size of the PLA domains were found to be proportional to the block length of the PCL segment of the copolymer and inversely proportional to the PDLA content of the blend. Changing the PLLA-PCL / PDLA ratio caused a shift in the melt transition Tm attributed to the PLA stereocomplex crystallites, indicating partial amorphous phase dilution of the PLA and PCL components within the semicrystalline material. By elucidating the phase structure and thermal character of multifunctional PLLA-PCL / PDLA blends, we illustrate how composition affects the internal structure and thermal properties of multicomponent polymeric materials. This study should facilitate the more effective incorporation of a variety of polymeric structural units capable of stimuli responsive phase transitions, where an understanding the phase-morphology of each component will enable the production of multifunctional soft-actuators with enhanced performance.}, language = {en} } @article{SauterKratzHeucheletal.2021, author = {Sauter, Tilman and Kratz, Karl and Heuchel, Matthias and Lendlein, Andreas}, title = {Fiber diameter as design parameter for tailoring the macroscopic shape-memory performance of electrospun meshes}, series = {Materials and design}, volume = {202}, journal = {Materials and design}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam [u.a.]}, issn = {1873-4197}, doi = {10.1016/j.matdes.2021.109546}, pages = {10}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Fibrous shape-memory polymer (SMP) scaffolds were investigated considering the fiber as basic microstructural feature. By reduction of the fiber diameter in randomly oriented electrospun polyetherurethane (PEU) meshes from the micro-to the nano-scale, we observed changes in the molecular orientation within the fibers and its impact on the structural and shape-memory performance. It was assumed that a spatial restriction by reduction of the fiber diameter increases molecular orientation along the orientation of the fiber. The stress-strain relation of random PEU scaffolds is initially determined by the 3D arrangement of the fibers and thus is independent of the molecular orientation. Increasing the molecular orientation with decreasing single fiber diameter in scaffolds composed of randomly arranged fibers did not alter the initial stiffness and peak stress but strongly influenced the elongation at break and the stress increase above the Yield point. Reduction of the single fiber diameter also distinctly improved the shape-memory performance of the scaffolds. Fibers with nanoscale diameters (< 100 nm) possessed an almost complete shape recovery, high recovery stresses and fast relaxation kinetics, while the shape fixity was found to decrease with decreasing fiber diameter. Hence, the fiber diameter is a relevant design parameter for SMP.}, language = {en} } @article{SauterKratzLendlein2013, author = {Sauter, Tilman and Kratz, Karl and Lendlein, Andreas}, title = {Pore-size distribution controls shape-memory properties on the macro- and microscale of polymeric foams}, series = {Macromolecular chemistry and physics}, volume = {214}, journal = {Macromolecular chemistry and physics}, number = {11}, publisher = {Wiley-VCH}, address = {Weinheim}, issn = {1022-1352}, doi = {10.1002/macp.201300062}, pages = {1184 -- 1188}, year = {2013}, abstract = {Open porous foams with identical foam density but different pore-size distributions (bimodal or monomodal) are prepared from a shape-memory polyetherurethane (PEU) by thermally induced phase separation. The shape-memory effect of the two PEU foams is explored by cyclic thermomechanical compression tests and microstructural analysis. The obtained results reveal that the PEU foam with a bimodal pore-size distribution exhibits an increased shape-recovery under stress-free conditions, both on the macro- (foam level) as well as the microscale (pore level). While bimodal pore-size distributions induce microscale bending during compression, buckling occurs in foams with monomodal pore-size distributions, leading to both a reduced and delayed shape recovery.}, language = {en} } @article{KumarHeuchelKratzetal.2018, author = {Kumar, Reddi K. and Heuchel, Matthias and Kratz, Karl and Lendlein, Andreas and Jankowski, Joachim and Tetali, Sarada D.}, title = {Effects of extracts prepared from modified porous poly(ether imide) microparticulate absorbers on cytotoxicity, macrophage differentiation and proinflammatory behavior of human monocytic (THP-1) cells}, series = {Clinical hemorheology and microcirculation : blood flow and vessels}, volume = {69}, journal = {Clinical hemorheology and microcirculation : blood flow and vessels}, number = {1-2}, publisher = {IOS Press}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {1386-0291}, doi = {10.3233/CH-189112}, pages = {175 -- 185}, year = {2018}, abstract = {Remaining uremic toxins in the blood of chronic renal failure patients represent one central challenge in hemodialysis therapies. Highly porous poly(ether imide) (PEI) microparticles have been recently introduced as candidate absorber materials, which show a high absorption capacity for uremic toxins and allow hydrophilic surface modification suitable for minimization of serum protein absorption. In this work, the effects of extracts prepared from PEI microparticles modified by nucleophilic reaction with low molecular weight polyethylene imine (Pei) or potassium hydroxide (KOH), on human monocytic (THP-1) cells are studied. The obtained results suggested that the extracts of Pei and KOH modified PEI absorbers have no negative effect on THP-1 cell viability and do not initiate the critical differentiation towards macrophages. The extracts did not enhance transcript or protein levels of investigated proinflammatory markers in THP-1 cells, namely, TNF alpha, MCP1, IL6 and IL8. Based on these findings such modified PEI microparticles should be qualified for further pre-clinical evaluation i.e. in an in vivo animal experiment.}, language = {en} } @article{HaaseKrostSauteretal.2017, author = {Haase, Tobias and Krost, Annalena and Sauter, Tilman and Kratz, Karl and Peter, Jan and Kamann, Stefanie and Jung, Friedrich and Lendlein, Andreas and Zohlnh{\"o}fer, Dietlind and R{\"u}der, Constantin}, title = {In vivo biocompatibility assessment of poly (ether imide) electrospun scaffolds}, series = {Journal of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine}, volume = {11}, journal = {Journal of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine}, number = {4}, publisher = {Wiley}, address = {Hoboken}, issn = {1932-6254}, doi = {10.1002/term.2002}, pages = {1034 -- 1044}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Poly(ether imide) (PEI), which can be chemically functionalized with biologically active ligands, has emerged as a potential biomaterial for medical implants. Electrospun PEI scaffolds have shown advantageous properties, such as enhanced endothelial cell adherence, proliferation and low platelet adhesion in in vitro experiments. In this study, the in vivo behaviour of electrospun PEI scaffolds and PEI films was examined in a murine subcutaneous implantation model. Electrospun PEI scaffolds and films were surgically implanted subcutaneously in the dorsae of mice. The surrounding subcutaneous tissue response was examined via histopathological examination at 7 and 28days after implantation. No serious adverse events were observed for both types of PEI implants. The presence of macrophages or foreign body giant cells in the vicinity of the implants and the formation of a fibrous capsule indicated a normal foreign body reaction towards PEI films and scaffolds. Capsule thickness and inflammatory infiltration cells significantly decreased for PEI scaffolds during days 7-28 while remaining unchanged for PEI films. The infiltration of cells into the implant was observed for PEI scaffolds 7days after implantation and remained stable until 28days of implantation. Additionally some, but not all, PEI scaffold implants induced the formation of functional blood vessels in the vicinity of the implants. Conclusively, this study demonstrates the in vivo biocompatibility of PEI implants, with favourable properties of electrospun PEI scaffolds regarding tissue integration and wound healing.}, language = {en} } @article{IzraylitHommesSchattmannNeffeetal.2020, author = {Izraylit, Victor and Hommes-Schattmann, Paul Jacob and Neffe, Axel T. and Gould, Oliver E. C. and Lendlein, Andreas}, title = {Alkynyl-functionalized chain-extended PCL for coupling to biological molecules}, series = {European polymer journal}, volume = {136}, journal = {European polymer journal}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Oxford}, issn = {0014-3057}, doi = {10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2020.109908}, pages = {11}, year = {2020}, abstract = {Chemical functionalization of poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL) enables a molecular integration of additional function. Here, we report an approach to incorporate reactive alkynyl side-groups by synthesizing a chain-extended PCL, where the reactive site is introduced through the covalently functionalizable chain extender 3 (prop-2-yn-1-yloxy)propane-1,2-diol (YPD). Chain-extended PCL with M-w of 101 to 385 kg.mol(-1) were successfully synthesized in a one-pot reaction from PCL-diols with various molar masses, L-lysine ethyl ester diisocyanate (LDI) or trimethyl(hexamethylene)diisocyanate (TMDI), and YPD, in which the density of functionalizable groups and spacing between them can be controlled by the composition of the polymer. The employed diisocyanate compounds and YPD possess an asymmetric structure and form a non-crystallizable segment leaving the PCL crystallites to dominate the material's mechanical properties. The mixed glass transition temperature T-g = - 60 to - 46 degrees C of the PCL/polyurethane amorphous phase maintains the synthesized materials in a highly elastic state at ambient and physiological conditions. Reaction conditions for covalent attachment in copper(I)-catalyzed azide-alkyne-cycloaddition reactions (CuAAC) in solution were optimized in a series of model reactions between the alkyne moieties of the chain-extended PCL and benzyl azide, reaching conversions over 95\% of the alkyne moieties and with yields of up to 94\% for the purified functionalized PCL. This methodology was applied for reaction with the azide-functionalized cell adhesion peptide GRGDS. The required modification of the peptide provides selectivity in the coupling reactions. The obtained results suggest that YPD could potentially be employed as versatile molecular unit for the creation of a variety of functionalizable polyesters as well as polyurethanes and polycarbonates offering efficient and selective click-reactions.}, language = {en} } @article{NeffeIzraylitHommesSchattmannetal.2021, author = {Neffe, Axel T. and Izraylit, Victor and Hommes-Schattmann, Paul J. and Lendlein, Andreas}, title = {Soft, formstable (Co)polyester blend elastomers}, series = {Nanomaterials : open access journal}, volume = {11}, journal = {Nanomaterials : open access journal}, number = {6}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, issn = {2079-4991}, doi = {10.3390/nano11061472}, pages = {18}, year = {2021}, abstract = {High crystallization rate and thermomechanical stability make polylactide stereocomplexes effective nanosized physical netpoints. Here, we address the need for soft, form-stable degradable elastomers for medical applications by designing such blends from (co)polyesters, whose mechanical properties are ruled by their nanodimensional architecture and which are applied as single components in implants. By careful controlling of the copolymer composition and sequence structure of poly[(L-lactide)-co-(epsilon-caprolactone)], it is possible to prepare hyperelastic polymer blends formed through stereocomplexation by adding poly(D-lactide) (PDLA). Low glass transition temperature T-g <= 0 degrees C of the mixed amorphous phase contributes to the low Young's modulus E. The formation of stereocomplexes is shown in DSC by melting transitions T-m > 190 degrees C and in WAXS by distinct scattering maxima at 2 theta = 12 degrees and 21 degrees. Tensile testing demonstrated that the blends are soft (E = 12-80 MPa) and show an excellent hyperelastic recovery R-rec = 66-85\% while having high elongation at break epsilon(b) up to >1000\%. These properties of the blends are attained only when the copolymer has 56-62 wt\% lactide content, a weight average molar mass >140 kg center dot mol(-1), and number average lactide sequence length >= 4.8, while the blend is formed with a content of 5-10 wt\% of PDLA. The devised strategy to identify a suitable copolymer for stereocomplexation and blend formation is transferable to further polymer systems and will support the development of thermoplastic elastomers suitable for medical applications.}, language = {en} } @article{IzraylitHommesSchattmannNeffeetal.2020, author = {Izraylit, Victor and Hommes-Schattmann, Paul J. and Neffe, Axel T. and Gould, Oliver E. C. and Lendlein, Andreas}, title = {Polyester urethane functionalizable through maleimide side-chains and cross-linkable by polylactide stereocomplexes}, series = {European polymer journal}, volume = {137}, journal = {European polymer journal}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Oxford}, issn = {0014-3057}, doi = {10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2020.109916}, pages = {8}, year = {2020}, abstract = {Sustainable multifunctional alternatives to fossil-derived materials, which can be functionalized and are degradable, can be envisioned by combining naturally derived starting materials with an established polymer design concept. Modularity and chemical flexibility of polyester urethanes (PEU) enable the combination of segments bearing functionalizable moieties and the tailoring of the mechanical and thermal properties. In this work, a PEU multiblock structure was synthesized from naturally derived L-lysine diisocyanate ethyl ester (LDI), poly(L-lactide) diol (PLLA) and N-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)-maleimide (MID) in a one-step reaction. A maleimide side-chain (MID) provided a reactive site for the catalyst-free coupling of thiols shown for L-cysteine with a yield of 94\%. Physical cross-links were generated by blending the PEU with poly(D-lactide) (PDLA), upon which the PLLA segments of the PEU and the PDLA formed stereocomplexes. Stereocomplexation occurred spontaneously during solution casting and was investigated with WAXS and DSC. Stereocomplex crystallites were observed in the blends, while isotactic PLA crystallization was not observed. The presented material platform with tailorable mechanical properties by blending is of specific interest for engineering biointerfaces of implants or carrier systems for bioactive molecules.}, language = {en} } @article{IzraylitHeuchelKratzetal.2021, author = {Izraylit, Victor and Heuchel, Matthias and Kratz, Karl and Lendlein, Andreas}, title = {Non-woven shape-memory polymer blend actuators}, series = {MRS advances : a journal of the Materials Research Society (MRS)}, volume = {6}, journal = {MRS advances : a journal of the Materials Research Society (MRS)}, number = {33}, publisher = {Springer Nature Switzerland AG}, address = {Cham}, issn = {2059-8521}, doi = {10.1557/s43580-021-00063-8}, pages = {781 -- 785}, year = {2021}, abstract = {The hierarchical design approach provides various opportunities to adjust the structural performance of polymer materials. Electrospinning processing techniques give access to molecular orientation as a design parameter, which we consider here in view of the shape-memory actuation performance. The aim of this work is to investigate how the reversible strain epsilon'(rev) can be affected by a morphology change from a bulk material to an electrospun mesh. epsilon'(rev) could be increased from 5.5 +/- 0.5\% to 15 +/- 1.8\% for a blend from a multiblock copolymer with poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL) and poly(L-lactide) (PLLA) segments with oligo(D-lactide) (ODLA). This study demonstrates an effective design approach for enhancing soft actuator performance, which can be broadly applied in soft robotics and medicine.}, language = {en} } @article{GhobadiHeuchelKratzetal.2012, author = {Ghobadi, Ehsan and Heuchel, Matthias and Kratz, Karl and Lendlein, Andreas}, title = {Simulation of volumetric swelling of degradable poly[(rac-lactide)-co-glycolide] based polyesterurethanes containing different urethane-linkers}, series = {Journal of applied biomaterials \& functional materials}, volume = {10}, journal = {Journal of applied biomaterials \& functional materials}, number = {3}, publisher = {Wichtig}, address = {Milano}, issn = {2280-8000}, doi = {10.5301/JABFM.2012.10432}, pages = {293 -- 301}, year = {2012}, abstract = {Aim: The hydrolytic degradation behavior of degradable aliphatic polyester-based polymers is strongly influenced by the uptake or transport of water into the polymer matrix and also the hydrolysis rate of ester bonds. Methods: We examined the volumetric swelling behavior of poly[(rac-lactide)-co-glycolide] (PLGA) and PLGA-based polyurethanes (PLGA-PU) with water contents of 0 wt\%, 2 wt\% and 7 wt\% water at 310 K using a molecular modeling approach. Polymer systems with a number average molecular weight of M-n = 10,126 g.mol(-1) were constructed from PLGA with a lactide content of 67 mol\%, whereby PLGA-PU systems were composed of five PLGA segments with M-n = 2052 g.mol(-1), which were connected via urethane linkers originated from 2,2,4-trimethyl hexamethylene-1,6-diisocyanate (TMDI), hexamethyl-1,6-diisocyanate (HDI), or L-lysine-1,6-diisocyanate (LDI). Results: The calculated densities of the dry PLGA-PU systems were found to be lower than for pure PLGA. The obtained volumetric swelling of the PLGA-PU was depending on the type of urethane linker, whereby all swollen PLGA-PUs contained larger free volume distribution compared to pure PLGA. The mean square displacement curves for dry PLGA and PLGA-PUs showed that urethane linker units reduce the mobility of the polymer chains, while an increase in backbone atoms mobility was found, when water was added to these systems. Consequently, an increased water uptake of PLGA-PU matrices combined with a higher mobility of the chain segments should result in an accelerated hydrolytic chain scission rate in comparison to PLGA. Conclusions: It can be anticipated that the incorporation of urethane linkers might be a helpful tool to adjust the degradation behavior of polyesters.}, language = {en} } @article{GhobadiHeuchelKratzetal.2012, author = {Ghobadi, Ehsan and Heuchel, Matthias and Kratz, Karl and Lendlein, Andreas}, title = {Influence of different heating regimes on the shape-recovery behavior of poly(L-lactide) in simulated thermomechanical tests}, series = {Journal of applied biomaterials \& functional materials}, volume = {10}, journal = {Journal of applied biomaterials \& functional materials}, number = {3}, publisher = {Wichtig}, address = {Milano}, issn = {2280-8000}, doi = {10.5301/JABFM.2012.10440}, pages = {259 -- 264}, year = {2012}, abstract = {Aim: Multifunctional polymer-based biomaterials, which combine degradability with a shape-memory capability and in this way enable the design of actively moving implants such as self-anchoring implants or controlled release systems, have been recently introduced. Of particular interest are approved degradable polymers such as poly(L-lactide) (PLLA), which can be easily functionalized with a shape-memory effect. In the case of semicrystalline PLLA, the glass transition can be utilized as shape-memory switching domain. Methods: In this work we applied a fully atomistic molecular dynamics simulation to study the shape-memory behavior of PLLA. A heating-deformation-cooling programming procedure was applied to atomistic PLLA packing models followed by a recovery module under stress-free conditions allowing the shape recovery. The recovery was simulated by heating the samples from T-low = 250 K to T-high = 500 K with different heating rates beta of 125, 40 and 4 K.ns(-1). Results: We could demonstrate that the obtained strain recovery rate (R-r) was strongly influenced by the applied simulation time and heating rate, whereby R-r values in the range from 46\% to 63\% were achieved. On its own the application of a heating rate of 4 K.ns(-1) enabled us to determine a characteristic switching temperature of T-sw = 473 K for the modeled samples. Conclusions: We anticipate that the atomistic modeling approach presented should be capable of enabling further study of T-sw with respect to the molecular structure of the investigated SMP and therefore could be applied in the context of design and development of new shape-memory (bio) materials.}, language = {en} } @article{RuederSauterKratzetal.2013, author = {R{\"u}der, Constantin and Sauter, Tilman and Kratz, Karl and Haase, Tobias and Peter, Jan and Jung, Friedrich and Lendlein, Andreas and Zohlnh{\"o}fer, Dietlind}, title = {Influence of fibre diameter and orientation of electrospun copolyetheresterurethanes on smooth muscle and endothelial cell behaviour}, series = {Clinical hemorheology and microcirculation : blood flow and vessels}, volume = {55}, journal = {Clinical hemorheology and microcirculation : blood flow and vessels}, number = {4}, publisher = {IOS Press}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {1386-0291}, doi = {10.3233/CH-131787}, pages = {513 -- 522}, year = {2013}, abstract = {Polymers exhibiting cell-selective effects represent an extensive research field with high relevance for biomedical applications e.g. in the cardiovascular field supporting re-endothelialization while suppressing smooth muscle cell overgrowth. Such an endothelial cell-selective effect could be recently demonstrated for a copolyetheresterurethane (PDC) containing biodegradable poly(p-dioxanone) and poly(epsilon-caprolactone) segments, which selectively enhanced the adhesion of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) while suppressing the attachment of smooth muscle cells (SMC). In this study we investigated the influence of the fibre orientation (random and aligned) and fibre diameter (2 mu m and 500 nm) of electrospun PDC scaffolds on the adhesion, proliferation and apoptosis of HUVEC and SMC. Adhesion, viability and proliferation of HUVEC was diminished when the fibre diameter was reduced to a submicron scale, while the orientation of the microfibres did only slightly influence the cellular behaviour. In contrast, a submicron fibre diameter improved SMC viability. In conclusion, PDC scaffolds with micron-sized single fibres could be promising candidate materials for cell-selective stent coatings.}, language = {en} } @article{WangHeuchelFangetal.2012, author = {Wang, Li and Heuchel, Matthias and Fang, Liang and Kratz, Karl and Lendlein, Andreas}, title = {Influence of a polyester coating of magnetic nanoparticles on magnetic heating behavior of shape-memory polymer-based composites}, series = {Journal of applied biomaterials \& functional materials}, volume = {10}, journal = {Journal of applied biomaterials \& functional materials}, number = {3}, publisher = {Wichtig}, address = {Milano}, issn = {2280-8000}, doi = {10.5301/JABFM.2012.10293}, pages = {203 -- 209}, year = {2012}, abstract = {Background: Magnetic composites of thermosensitive shape-memory polymers (SMPs) and magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) allow noncontact actuation of the shape-memory effect in an alternating magnetic field. In this study, we investigated whether the magnetic heating capability of cross-linked poly(epsilon-caprolactone)/MNP composites (cPCLC) could be improved by covalent coating of MNPs with oligo(epsilon-caprolactone) (OCL). Methods: Two different types of cPCLC containing uncoated and OCL-coated MNP with identical magnetite weight content were prepared by thermally induced polymerization of poly(epsilon-caprolactone) diisocyanatoethyl methacrylate. Both cPCLCs exhibited a melting transition at T-m = 48 degrees C, which could be used as switching transition. Results: The dispersion of the embedded nanoparticles within the polymer matrix could be substantially improved, when the OCL-coated MNPs were used, as visualized by scanning electron microscopy. We could further demonstrate that in this way the maximal achievable bulk temperature (T-bulk) obtained within the cPCLC test specimen in magnetic heating experiments at a magnetic field strength of H = 30 kA.m(-1) could be increased from T bulk = 48 degrees C to T bulk = 74 degrees C.}, language = {en} } @article{GhobadiHeuchelKratzetal.2013, author = {Ghobadi, Ehsan and Heuchel, Matthias and Kratz, Karl and Lendlein, Andreas}, title = {Simulating the shape-Memory behavior of amorphous switching domains of Poly(L-lactide) by molecular dynamics}, series = {Macromolecular chemistry and physics}, volume = {214}, journal = {Macromolecular chemistry and physics}, number = {11}, publisher = {Wiley-VCH}, address = {Weinheim}, issn = {1022-1352}, doi = {10.1002/macp.201200450}, pages = {1273 -- 1283}, year = {2013}, abstract = {The thermally induced shape-memory effect of polymers is typically characterized by cyclic uniaxial thermomechanical tests. Here, a molecular-dynamics (MD) simulation approach of such a cyclic uniaxial thermomechanical test is presented for amorphous switching domains of poly(L-lactide) (PLLA). Uniaxial deformation of the constructed PLLA models is simulated with a Parinello-Rahman scheme, as well as a pragmatic geometrical approach. We are able to describe two subsequent test cycles using the presented simulation approach. The obtained simulated shape-memory properties in both test cycles are similar and independent of the applied deformation protocols. The simulated PLLA shows high shape fixity ratios (Rf 94\%), but only a moderate shape recovery ratio is obtained (Rr 30\%). Finally, the structural changes during the simulated test are characterized by analysis of the changes in the dihedral angle distributions.}, language = {en} } @article{SauterLuetzowSchossigetal.2012, author = {Sauter, Tilman and L{\"u}tzow, Karola and Schossig, Michael and Kosmella, Hans and Weigel, Thomas and Kratz, Karl and Lendlein, Andreas}, title = {Shape-memory properties of polyetherurethane foams prepared by thermally induced phase separation}, series = {Advanced engineering materials}, volume = {14}, journal = {Advanced engineering materials}, number = {9}, publisher = {Wiley-VCH}, address = {Weinheim}, issn = {1438-1656}, doi = {10.1002/adem.201200127}, pages = {818 -- 824}, year = {2012}, abstract = {In this study, we report the preparation of two structurally different shape-memory polymer foams by thermally induced phase separation (TIPS) from amorphous polyetherurethanes. Foams with either a homogeneous, monomodal, or with a hierarchically structured, bimodal, pore size distribution are obtained by adoption of the cooling protocol. The shape-memory properties have been investigated for both foam structures by cyclic, thermomechanical experiments, while the morphological changes on the micro scale (pore level) have been compared to the macro scale by an in situ micro compression device experiment. The results show that the hierarchically structured foam achieves higher shape-recovery rates and a higher total recovery as compared to the homogeneous foam, which is due to an increased energy storage capability by micro scale bending of the hierarchically structured foam compared to pure compression of the homogeneous foam.}, language = {en} } @article{LendleinSauter2013, author = {Lendlein, Andreas and Sauter, Tilman}, title = {Shape-memory effect in polymers}, series = {Macromolecular chemistry and physics}, volume = {214}, journal = {Macromolecular chemistry and physics}, number = {11}, publisher = {Wiley-VCH}, address = {Weinheim}, issn = {1022-1352}, doi = {10.1002/macp.201300098}, pages = {1175 -- 1177}, year = {2013}, language = {en} }