Adjustable volume and loading release of shape memory polymer microcapsules

Abstract

Research on microcapsules has been conducted in recent years given trends in miniaturization and novel functionalization. In this work, we designed and prepared a series of unique shape memory polyurethane (SMPU) microcapsules with stimuli-responsive functions. The microcapsule has a core-shell structure in which the surface morphology can be adjusted, and it has a certain load-bearing capacity. In addition, the SMPU microcapsule has a stimuli-responsive function for shape memory and solvent response. The temperature of its shape recovery is approximately body temperature, and it can swell to rupture under the stimulation of organic solvents. Thus, the SMPU microcapsule has potential applications in biomedical fields, such as drug release.