IIT Bhilai develops dual-trigger 4D polymer

Raipur: A research team from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bhilai has developed next-generation 4D-printed smart polymer materials that can change shape in response to both temperature and pH, opening up possibilities for advanced medical devices and implants. These "intelligent" materials can fold, expand, or contract on demand, offering potential applications in minimally invasive surgeries, targeted drug delivery, and adaptive prosthetics that respond to body heat. The breakthrough was achieved by a team comprising Bhanendra Sahu, Nishikanta Singh, Sudipta Paul, and Dr. Sanjib Banerjee. Dr Banerjee stated that most current biomedical materials respond to only one specific trigger. "Our 4D-printed smart polymer is special because it can respond to two different triggers—temperature and pH—and remember and return to its original shape when triggered," he said."It is flexible, strong, and programmable, almost like a ‘living' material that reacts to its surroundings," Dr. Banerjee added.The research promises to introduce innovations like injectable bio-robots, smart drug-delivery systems, and new-generation prosthetic parts that move naturally. Since the material reacts to small changes in temperature or chemical conditions, it could be used to self-open and release medicine exactly where needed in the body or gently change shape to match a patient's internal anatomy.Speaking about the scientific principle, Dr. Banerjee explained that the technology relies on "shape memory." When the material is heated to about 44 Degree Celsius, its inner polymer chains become flexible and "remember" the original shape they were programmed into. It locks back into that form as it cools. "If further studies on biocompatibility and large-scale manufacturing go smoothly, we could see early prototype devices within the next few years, and clinical or commercial use in the near future," he told TOI.