Hydrolytic degradation behavior of poly(rac-lactide)-block-poly(propylene glycol)-block-poly(rac-lactide) dimethacrylate derived networks designed for biomedical applications.
For polymer-based degradable implants, mechanical performance and degradation behavior need to be precisely controlled. Based on a rational design, this work comprehensively describes the properties of photo-crosslinked polymer networks prepared from poly(rac-lactide)-block-poly(propylene glycol)-block-poly(rac-lactide) dimethacrylate precursors during degradation. By varying the length of poly(rac-lactide) blocks connected to a central 4 kDa polyether block, microphase separated networks with adjustable crosslinking density, hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity ratio, thermal, and mechanical properties are obtained. The materials are characterized by a low water uptake, controlled mass loss, and slowly decreasing wet-state E moduli in the kPa range.
Center for Biomaterial Development and Berlin-Brandenburg Center for Regenerative Therapies, Institute of Polymer Research, Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht, Kantstrasse 55, 14513 Teltow, Germany.
Christian
C
Wischke
Giuseppe
G
Tripodo
Nok-Young
NY
Choi
Andreas
A
Lendlein
D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000138:chemical synthesis* / Q000737:chemistry; D001673:Biodegradation, Environmental; D002021:Buffers; D055119:Elastic Modulus; D006868:Hydrolysis; D057927:Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions; D008422:Materials Testing; D008689:Methacrylates / Q000138:chemical synthesis* / Q000737:chemistry; D055668:Photochemical Processes; D011091:Polyesters / Q000138:chemical synthesis* / Q000737:chemistry; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols / Q000138:chemical synthesis* / Q000737:chemistry; D058105:Polymerization; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D014867:Water
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D002021:Buffers; D008689:Methacrylates; D011091:Polyesters; D014867:Water; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols