Light-induced Shape-Memory Polymers

Polymers see the light When a plant moves its leaves to face sunlight, it is using light as directional information. Now a synthetic polymer with similar functionality to this biological system has been produced. An object made from this light-sensitive ‘shape memory polymer’ can be deformed to a new temporary shape, then fixed in that shape by light of the right wavelength. The molecular switches in this material are photosensitive groups that connect with and disconnect from each other in response to light of different wavelengths. Polymeric materials with light-induced shape-memory could find application in medical devices, microsystem technology and intelligent surface engineering.