The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will focus on the application of shape memory polymers to the development of orthopaedic fixation devices, primarily for ACL reconstruction. Shape memory polymers are capable of storing a temporary deformed shape for an extended period of time, and then recovering their original permanent shape upon exposure to external stimuli, such as temperature or magnetic field. In this project, the team will attempt to design and manufacture several key prototype shape memory polymer orthopoedic devices that will be tested using rigorous in vitro testing methods.
The proposed shape memory polymer approach provides a vehicle for for more reliable, minimally invasive fixation. In addition to orthopedic fixation devices, this new class of shape memory polymers may also have significant potential in cardiovascular stents and smart sutures.
