Biological shape-responsive polymers

Xu, J., Song, J., Thermal Responsive Shape Memory Polymers for Biomedical Applications, Department of Orthopedics Physical Rehabilitation, Department of Cell Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, USA. 

The cellular cytoskeleton, primarily composed of microfilaments, microtubules, and intermediate filaments, provides structural support and enables cell motility. The cytoskeleton is composed of biological polymers and is not static. Rather, it is capable of dynamic reassembly in less than a minute [136], The cytoskeleton is built from three key components, the actin filaments, the intermediate filaments, and the microtubules. The filaments are primarily responsible for maintaining cell shape, whereas the microtubules can be seen as the load-bearing elements that prevent a cell from collapsing [136], The cytoskeleton protects cellular structures and connects mechanotransductive pathways. Along with mechanical support, the cytoskeleton plays a critical role in many biological processes. 

Figure 21.5 Strategies for understanding nanomaterial enviromnental health and safely, toxicity and biological response include nanomaterial classihcalion, that is, compositional classification (metal, metal oxide, polymer, senticonductor, carbon-based, etc.) for a material that has one dimension between 1 and 100 mn chentical composition in terms of bulk and surface size considerations, primary and secondary (aggregate) sizes and geometric structure which includes shape and porosity.

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