title: Upscaling the synthesis of biodegradable multiblock copolymers capable of a shape-memory effect.
abstract: Thermoplastic, phase-segregated multiblock copolymers (MBC) with shape-memory capability consisting of poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) switching segments and poly(p-dioxanone) (PDO) or poly(ω-pentadecalactone) (PPD) hard segments were prepared on a scale of several kilograms following a newly developed upscaling procedure. Dihydroxytelechelic poly(ether)esters were coupled by an aliphatic diisocyanate gaining products of sufficiently high molecular weights. The obtained biodegradable MBC exhibited good elastic properties and a shape-memory effect (SME) with a switching temperature (T                         (sw)) around body temperature. The yield of the synthesis could be improved and reaction time reduced, while mechanical and shape-memory properties were not affected. These multifunctional materials, which are now available in a larger scale have a high application potential as smart implant materials especially for minimally invasive surgery.
authors.affiliation: Center for Biomaterial Development, Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht, Kantstraße 55, 14513, Teltow, Germany.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Zotzmann
authors.forename: H-J
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Ziegler
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Behl
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Zierke
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Radke
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Lendlein
mesh_terms: D020341:Absorbable Implants; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000737:chemistry*; D004146:Dioxanes / Q000737:chemistry*; D015394:Molecular Structure; D011091:Polyesters / Q000737:chemistry*; D011108:Polymers / Q000737:chemistry*; D013314:Stress, Mechanical
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D004146:Dioxanes; D011091:Polyesters; D011108:Polymers; C016240:polycaprolactone; C079733:poly-4-dioxan-2-one