2026 Undergraduate Research Showcase

Self-Healing Polymer Systems for Biomedical Applications

Document Type

Student Presentation

Presentation Date

4-24-2026

Faculty Sponsor

Dr. Sondra Miller

Abstract

Self-healing polymers are a class of smart materials that can recover from damage, making them especially promising for biomedical applications where material failure can have critical consequences. This ability extends the life of the material and reduces maintenance, which is important for implanted or difficult to access medical devices. These polymers are designed to recover from cracks or other damage that would typically lead to failure. There are two main types of self-healing systems: intrinsic and extrinsic. Intrinsic systems rely on reversible bonds that can reform after being broken, offering advantages for repeated healing in biological conditions. Extrinsic systems use healing agents released when damage occurs, which can be useful for repair in coatings. Some polymers heal autonomously, while others require external stimuli such as heat, light, or pressure to repair themselves. In biomedical contexts, self-healing polymers are being explored for use in implants, coatings, and soft devices that can repair small scale damage within the body. Several challenges still limit their widespread use, including reduced mechanical strength, sensitivity to physiological environments, and difficulties with large scale production. Understanding these tradeoffs is important for improving material design and expanding medical applications.

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