title: Synthesis and characterization of a photo-cross-linked biodegradable elastomer.
abstract: The synthesis and characterization of a photocurable biodegradable elastomer as a potential biomaterial for the delivery of thermosensitive drugs are described. The elastomer was prepared from UV initiated cross-linking of an acrylated star-poly(epsilon-caprolactone-co-D,L-lactide) prepolymer. The influence of the molecular weight of the acrylated prepolymer on the final elastomer mechanical and thermal properties was determined. The glass-transition temperature of the elastomers was independent of the prepolymer molecular weight and was from -6 to -8 degrees C. The Young's modulus and stress at break of the elastomers was proportional to the inverse of the prepolymer molecular weight, while the strain at break increased in a linear fashion with the prepolymer molecular weight. Over a degradation period of 12 weeks in phosphate buffered saline, the elastomers exhibited little mass loss, appreciable mechanical strength loss, and little dimensional or strain at break change.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemical Engineering, Queens University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada, K7L 3N6. amsden@chee.queensu.ca
authors.forename: Brian G
authors.initials: BG
authors.lastname: Amsden
authors.forename: Gauri
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Misra
authors.forename: Frank
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Gu
authors.forename: Husam M
authors.initials: HM
authors.lastname: Younes
mesh_terms: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D003432:Cross-Linking Reagents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D020724:Elastomers / Q000737:chemistry*; D005898:Glass / Q000737:chemistry; D008027:Light; D009682:Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy; D008956:Models, Chemical; D008970:Molecular Weight; D010710:Phosphates / Q000737:chemistry; D011091:Polyesters / Q000737:chemistry; D011108:Polymers / Q000737:chemistry; D012542:Scattering, Radiation; D012965:Sodium Chloride / Q000737:chemistry; D013696:Temperature; D013718:Tensile Strength; D013997:Time Factors; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D003432:Cross-Linking Reagents; D020724:Elastomers; D010710:Phosphates; D011091:Polyesters; D011108:Polymers; D012965:Sodium Chloride; C062968:lactide-caprolactone copolymer