Fig. 5: Shape memory behavior.

Representative shape memory behavior for a printed porous polyNTC scaffold as it is transitioned from its original geometry (a) to a compressed state under loading (~50% strain, b), after which it is cooled to 25 °C and will retain its secondary shape after the deformation load is removed (c), and the return to the original geometry upon heating of the sample (d). The expansion forces of the PTMPTCX (e) and PNTCTX (f) using compression kinetic studies under in vitro conditions. In vitro void-filling behavior was further examined using compressed scaffolds (represented by PNTCTX here) in soft alginate molds, displaying shape fixation (g), void filling without deformation of the alginate (h), and shape fixation to the void shape even after removal of the scaffold (i); 3D-printed molds were further examined for void-filling efficiency and strain recovery (j). (All scale bars = 1 cm).