title: Application of Linear and Branched Poly(Ethylene Glycol)-Poly(Lactide) Block Copolymers for the Preparation of Films and Solution Electrospun Meshes.
abstract: Poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(lactide) (PEG-PLA) block copolymers are processed to solvent cast films and solution electrospun meshes. The effect of polymer composition, architecture, and number of anchoring points for the plasticizer on swelling, degradation, and mechanical properties of these films and meshes is investigated as potential barrier device for the prevention of peritoneal adhesions. As a result, adequate properties are achieved for the massive films with a longer retention of the plasticizer PEG for star-shaped block copolymers than for the linear triblock copolymers and consequently more endurable mechanical properties during degradation. For electrospun meshes fabricated using the same polymers, similar trends are observed, but with an earlier start of fragmentation and lower tensile strengths. To overcome the poor mechanical strengths and an occurring shrinkage during incubation, which may impair the coverage of the wound, further adaptions of the meshes and the fabrication process are necessary.
authors.affiliation: Department for Functional Materials in Medicine and Dentistry, University of Wuerzburg, Pleicherwall 2, 97070, Wuerzburg, Germany.
authors.forename: Martina
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kessler
authors.affiliation: Department for Functional Materials in Medicine and Dentistry, University of Wuerzburg, Pleicherwall 2, 97070, Wuerzburg, Germany.
authors.forename: Juergen
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Groll
authors.affiliation: Department for Functional Materials in Medicine and Dentistry, University of Wuerzburg, Pleicherwall 2, 97070, Wuerzburg, Germany.
authors.forename: Joerg
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Tessmar
mesh_terms: D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D011091:Polyesters / Q000737:chemistry*; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols / Q000737:chemistry*; D013526:Surgical Mesh; D000267:Tissue Adhesions / Q000517:prevention & control
chemical_list: D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D011091:Polyesters; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols; C033616:poly(lactide)
keywords: PEG-PLA; degradation; electro-spinning; mechanical properties; star polymers