Shape-Memory Polymer Systems in Custom-Fit Prosthetic and Orthotic Design

Notice

This is an unedited manuscript accepted for publication and provided as an Article in Press for early access at the author’s request. The article will undergo copyediting, typesetting, and galley proof review before final publication. Please be aware that errors may be identified during production that could affect the content. All legal disclaimers of the journal apply.

Year : 2026 | Volume : 14 | 04 | Page :
By

Shubha Joshi,

Abhijeet Kore,

Kashinath Sahoo,

  1. Associate Professor, Department of Prosthodontics and Crown & Bridge, Krishna Vishwa Vidyapeeth “Deemed to be University”, Taluka-Karad, Dist-Satara, Maharashtra, India
  2. Associate Professor, Department of Prosthodontics and Crown & Bridge, School of Dental Sciences, Krishna Vishwa Vidyapeeth “Deemed to be University”, Taluka-Karad, Dist- Satara, Maharashtra, India
  3. Associate Professor and Head, Department of Orthotics and Prosthetics, Krishna College of Physiotherapy, Krishna Vishwa Vidyapeeth “Deemed to be University”, Taluka-Karad, Dist-Satara, Maharashtra, India

Abstract

SMP systems have now become important materials in constructions of custom-made prosthetic and orthotic devices. They are able to back and forth change shape based on heat, humidity or light. The capability allows physicians and patients to shape the devices quickly and change them in real time- which is not possible with ordinary plastics. Antinomy, comfort is vital and distribution of forces changes continuously in the rehabilitation engineering. The solution to these challenges is the use of SMP-based devices that are characterized by extreme personalization, easily adjustable, and enhanced functionality. They provided every user with a really personalized fit. This has been enhanced by recent advances in polymer chemistry, 3D printing, computer modeling, and integration of sensors to expand the capabilities of SMPs. They are now harder, more adjustable in mechanics and more managed using computerized drawing instruments. Such advantages have propelled them to entertainment items in labs to clinician-confidence products. New SMP compounds incorporate fibers, nanoparticles and conductive networks. It has the outcome of enhanced actuation accuracy, increased thermal capacity, and smooth integration with feedback systems applied in the contemporary rehab applications. All this progress notwithstanding, there are still obstacles on the way to universal clinical implementation. It has to be proven in the case of long-term durability, fatigue-resistance, complete biocompatibility, standardization of testing protocols. The partnership between material scientists, physicians, bio-mechanists, and specialists in digital fabrication is the key to unlocking the potential of SMP and providing lightweight, responsive and constantly adaptable prosthetics and orthotics. Finally, SMP-facilitated customization is an indication of a significant change to patient-friendly, more efficient, and patient-centered care.

Keywords: Shape-memory polymers; Smart materials; Prosthetics; Orthotics; Custom-fit devices; Thermal actuation; 4D printing; Adaptive rehabilitation; Polymer composites; Personalized medicine.

How to cite this article: Shubha Joshi, Abhijeet Kore, Kashinath Sahoo. Shape-Memory Polymer Systems in Custom-Fit Prosthetic and Orthotic Design. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2026; 14(04):-.
How to cite this URL: Shubha Joshi, Abhijeet Kore, Kashinath Sahoo. Shape-Memory Polymer Systems in Custom-Fit Prosthetic and Orthotic Design. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2026; 14(04):-. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/jopc/article=2026/view=252869

References

  1. Delaey J, Dubruel P, Van Vlierberghe S. Shape-memory polymers for biomedical applications. Adv Funct Mater. 2020;30(44):1909047.
  2. Singhwane A, Jaiswal A, Chaturvedi K, Mili M, Pal K, Mohapatra RK, et al. Smart shape memory polymers and their significance in biomedical applications: a review. Polym Adv Technol. 2023;34(11):3552-68.
  3. Pourjavadi A, Heydarpour R, Tehrani ZM. Multi-stimuli-responsive hydrogels and their medical applications. New J Chem. 2021;45(35):15705-17.
  4. Yadav A, Singh SK, Das S, Kumar S, Kumar A. Shape memory polymer and composites for space applications: a review. Polym Compos. 2025. doi details/pages need verification.
  5. Górski F, Wichniarek R, Kuczko W, Żukowska M. Study on properties of automatically designed 3D-printed customized prosthetic sockets. Materials (Basel). 2021;14(18):5240.
  6. Jeewantha LH. Shape memory polymer composite for adaptive components for orthosis and lower limb fracture fixators [dissertation]. Toowoomba: University of Southern Queensland; year needs verification.
  7. Santo L, Santoro D, Quadrini F. Organic shape-memory polymers and their foams and composites in space. In: Shape Memory Composites Based on Polymers and Metals for 4D Printing: Processes, Applications and Challenges. Cham: Springer International Publishing; 2022. p. 287-310.
  8. Pisani S, Genta I, Modena T, Dorati R, Benazzo M, Conti B. Shape-memory polymers hallmarks and their biomedical applications in the form of nanofibers. Int J Mol Sci. 2022;23(3):1290.
  9. Lan X, Liu L, Liu Y, Leng J. Thermomechanical properties and deformation behavior of a unidirectional carbon-fiber-reinforced shape memory polymer composite laminate. J Appl Polym Sci. 2020;137(14):48532.
  10. Hoertz PG, Kujak S, Owen K. Evaluation of a graphene enhanced photocatalytic oxidation device. [Publication details required].
  11. Xiao R, Huang WM. Heating/solvent responsive shape-memory polymers for implant biomedical devices in minimally invasive surgery: current status and challenge. Macromol Biosci. 2020;20(8):2000108.
  12. Bajpai A, Baigent A, Raghav S, Brádaigh CÓ, Koutsos V, Radacsi N. 4D printing: materials, technologies, and future applications in the biomedical field. Sustainability. 2020;12(24):10628.
  13. Al-Taweel AF. The role of 4D printing materials, process and potentials for dentistry. Int J Health Sci. 2022;6(S4):7356-64.
  14. Pandeya SP, Zou S, Roh BM, Xiao X. Programmable thermo-responsive self-morphing structures design and performance. Materials (Basel). 2022;15(24):8775.
  15. Zhao W, Yue C, Liu L, Liu Y, Leng J. Research progress of shape memory polymer and 4D printing in biomedical application. Adv Healthc Mater. 2023;12(16):2201975.
  16. Miyata Y, Sasaki K, Guerra G, Rattanakoch J. Sustainable, affordable and functional: reimagining prosthetic liners in resource limited environments. Disabil Rehabil. 2022;44(12):2941-7.
  17. An Y. Development of soft actuators and flexible sensors using shape memory polymer. [Publication/dissertation details required].
  18. Nayak A, Lenka KC, Pingale DJ. Introduction to shape memory material: biomedical, prosthetic and orthotic application. Int J Health Technol Innov. 2023;2(2):36-42.
  19. Gao M, Meng Y, Shen C, Pei Q. Stiffness variable polymers comprising phase-changing side-chains: material syntheses and application explorations. Adv Mater. 2022;34(21):2109798.
  20. Singh N, Sinha P, Sinha DK, Banerjee S. Smart polymers for 3D printing applications: current status and future outlook. Polym Chem. 2025;16(41):4479-523.
  21. Kareem AB, Ejike Akpudo U, Hur JW. An integrated cost-aware dual monitoring framework for SMPS switching device diagnosis. Electronics (Basel). 2021;10(20):2487.
  22. Doukas N, Stavroulakis P, Kharchenko V, Bardis N, Irakleous D, Ivanchenko O, et al. Survivability using artificial intelligence assisted cyber risk warning. In: Artificial Intelligence for Cybersecurity. Cham: Springer International Publishing; 2022. p. 285-308.
  23. Huang P, Zhang K, Ma M, Mei S, Wang J. Semantic-geometric consistency-enforcing with Mamba-augmented network for remote sensing image segmentation. IEEE J Sel Top Appl Earth Obs Remote Sens. 2025. Publication details need verification.
  24. Sadeghi A, Afshari E, Hashemi M, Kaplan D, Mozafari M. Brainy biomaterials: latest advances in smart biomaterials to develop the next generation of neural interfaces. Curr Opin Biomed Eng. 2023;25:100420.
Ahead of Print Subscription Review Article
Volume 14
04
Received 20/07/2026
Accepted 04/08/2026
Published 19/08/2026
Publication Time 30 Days

Login

My IP

PlumX Metrics