Because SMPs exhibit physical properties similar to those of human tissues, they are thought
of as ideal candidates for many medical applications, a topic we discuss in detail below. Although
many SMPUs offer biocompatibility, many groups are attempting to develop new SM materials
that offer a combination of the following characteristics: biocompatibility, bioresorbability,
biodegradability, and low cytotoxicity, among others. In one study, Pierce and coworkers (15)
reported on a thermoplastic poly(ester urethane) that incorporated novel, in-house-synthesized,