Surgical applications smart materials

Muscles contract and expand in response to electrical, thermal, and chemical stimuli. Certain polymers, such as synthetic polypeptides, are known to change shape on application of electric current, temperature, and chemical environment. For instance, selected bioelastic smart materials expand in salt solutions and may be used in desalination efforts and as salt concentration sensors. Polypeptides and other polymeric materials are being studied in tissue reconstruction, as adhesive barriers to prevent adhesion growth between surgically operated tissues, and in controlled drug release, where the material is designed to behave in a predetermined matter according to a specific chemical environment. 

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