NIR Light‐Triggered Shape Memory Polymers Based on Mussel‐Inspired Iron–Catechol Complexes

Abstract Shape memory polymers (SMPs) with the permanent shape reconfiguration capability have received much research interest because they are capable of diversified tasks and the ability to work in conditions that required complex geometry. However, most of such SMPs are thermally triggered, which limits their applications. Inspired by reversible mussel adhesive protein chemistry, NIR light‐triggered SMPs with the permanent shape reconfiguration capability are prepared. The polymer networks are constructed using biocompatible polyethylene glycol, which is crosslinked based on catechol–Fe 3+ coordination. The polymer networks have a uniform network structure and exhibit a considerable one‐way shape memory effect (1W‐SME) as well as a good two‐way shape memory effect (2W‐SME) under stress conditions. Taking advantage of the dynamic nature of the catechol–Fe 3+ coordination, the permanent shape of the polymers could be reconfigured. Moreover, the catechol–Fe 3+ complexes have a broad absorption in the NIR window, which bestows the polymers with excellent NIR light‐triggered SME. Further, the great potential of the obtained polymers in biomedical and electronic applications is presented. Owing to the NIR‐triggered 1W‐SME and the permanent shape reconfiguration capability, the polymer could be used as a personalizing vascular stent. Additionally, the polymer could be applied in light‐driven switches based on the NIR light‐triggered 2W‐SME.