Polyurethane‐Based Shape Memory Compression Stockings with Antimicrobial and Pressure Regulating Properties for the Relief of Chronic Venous Disease

Abstract Chronic venous disease (CVD) causes a heavy social and economic burden, which not only seriously diminishes the quality of life but also increases healthcare costs for patients. Herein, a compression stocking fabricated with polyurethane fibers is developed, which exhibits excellent antimicrobial and shape memory properties. In particular, the introduction of 1,2‐hydroxyethylpiperazine (HEP) dramatically shortens the relaxation time and effectively promotes the shape memory properties of polyurethane. Furthermore, the wet spinning and knitting methods are applied to obtain compression stockings, whose interfacial pressure ranges from 8 to 35 mmHg and can be regulated via the initial tension and trigger temperatures as needed. In addition, the compression stockings demonstrate excellent antimicrobial properties, achieving an inactivation rate of 99.99% against S. aureus and E. coli , while superior cytocompatibility and negligible skin irritation guarantee its biomedical applications. Overall, antimicrobial shape memory compression stockings can effectively manage and solve the two major problems of pressure regulation and bacterial infection for CVD patients, which is highly important for the care of this public health disease.