Visible-light triggering of shape memory polymers to control cell morphology

Statement of Purpose Shape memory polymers (SMPs) are a class of smart materials that change their shape in response to an environmental stimulus. SMPs have emerged as powerful platforms to study how cells respond to precise mechanical changes and have been used to study or impact cell differentiation and migration.[1],[2] However, most SMP platforms are thermally triggered and therefore require at least temporary incubation at temperatures other than 37 °C. Ebara and colleagues have reported an SMP cell culture platform that is triggered by Near-infrared (NIR) light in the presence of cells.[3] However, since water absorbs more strongly in NIR wavelengths than in visible wavelengths, the use of NIR light increases the risk of direct hyperthermic effects for biomaterials in close proximity to or in contact with cells and tissues. The goals of this study were to design an SMP platform that responds to visible light by taking advantage of the surface plasmon resonant of silver nanoparticles, and to test the cytocompatibility and cell mecha-nobiological applications of this material system.