Molecules (Oct 2020)

Chemical Modifications of Porous Shape Memory Polymers for Enhanced X-ray and MRI Visibility

  • Grace K. Fletcher,
  • Landon D. Nash,
  • Lance M. Graul,
  • Lindy K. Jang,
  • Scott M. Herting,
  • Matthew D. Wilcox,
  • Tyler J. Touchet,
  • Ana Katarina Sweatt,
  • Mary P. McDougall,
  • Steven M. Wright,
  • Duncan J. Maitland

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25204660
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 25, no. 20
p. 4660

Abstract

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The goal of this work was to develop a shape memory polymer (SMP) foam with visibility under both X-ray and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) modalities. A porous polymeric material with these properties is desirable in medical device development for applications requiring thermoresponsive tissue scaffolds with clinical imaging capabilities. Dual modality visibility was achieved by chemically incorporating monomers with X-ray visible iodine-motifs and MRI visible monomers with gadolinium content. Physical and thermomechanical characterization showed the effect of increased gadopentetic acid (GPA) on shape memory behavior. Multiple compositions showed brightening effects in pilot, T1-weighted MR imaging. There was a correlation between the polymeric density and X-ray visibility on expanded and compressed SMP foams. Additionally, extractions and indirect cytocompatibility studies were performed to address toxicity concerns of gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs). This material platform has the potential to be used in a variety of medical devices.

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