Fluorescent dyes enhance polymer visibility in biomedical imaging

Once SMPs have lost their rigidity and become elastic, they can be stretched, elongated or otherwise shaped into various configurations, before returning to their “memorized” shape. This versatility, combined with the materials’ biocompatibility has drawn a lot of interest to SMPs as potential biomaterials for use in minimally invasive medical procedures. However, one disadvantage of using SMPs in such applications is their lack of visibility during in vivo imaging.
The authors of this article say their findings demonstrate that fluorescent dyes can be incorporated into SMP polyurethane foams to enhance their visibility for use as a medical material, with PhB showing the most promise as a modifier. Weems and team believe they have presented an alternative method to fluoroscopy for visualizing implanted devices and materials in minimally invasive medical procedures.

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