Structural Remodeling of Polymeric Material via Diffusion Controlled Polymerization and Chain Scission

Here we show a synthetic system that uses reaction and diffusion to both grow new material via polymerization and remove material through polymer chain breakage—mimicking the process of bone remodeling in a synthetic system. Researchers have explored the use of reaction/diffusion systems to pattern microstructures with success, but very little work focuses on using these processes to shape microstructures in a dynamic manner. This report provides an example of a dynamic system that can reshape itself using diffusion gradients. Mimicking this dynamic process could enable the development of materials that strengthen in response to repeated application of stress and are able to undergo remodeling after initial fabrication.