Application and Improvement of Shape Memory Polymer Stents in Bone Defect Repair

Abstract

The PLLA-TMC-GA shape memory polymer scaffold effectively addresses critical limitations of traditional bone repair scaffolds, such as inadequate geometric adaptability and mismatched mechanical properties. However, it still suffers from insufficient performance in drug release behavior and distribution uniformity. Building on previous studies, this work proposes that incorporating intelligent hydrogel-mediated controlled release and nano/micro-scale drug loading strategies can significantly enhance the controllability, distribution homogeneity, and release intelligence of drug delivery in PLLA-TMC-GA shape memory scaffolds. These improvements are anticipated to promote osteogenic activity and reduce potential toxicity risks. This study offers a comprehensive strategy to address the critical drug delivery challenges associated with existing shape memory scaffolds, while simultaneously laying a foundational framework for the development of next-generation intelligent bone repair materials that exhibit superior therapeutic efficacy and broader clinical applicability. This research provides a crucial theoretical basis and technical path for the development of a new generation of intelligent bone repair materials that possess excellent mechanical adaptability, precise drug-controlled release capabilities, and good biological safety.