Amorphous Linear Aliphatic Polyesters for the Facile Preparation of Tunable Rapidly Degrading Elastomeric Devices and Delivery Vectors

Abstract

A versatile method for preparing amorphous degradable elastomers with tunable properties that can be easily fabricated into a wide variety of shape-specific devices was investigated. Completely amorphous, liquid poly(ester ether) prepolymers with number-average molecular weights between 4 and 6 x 10(3) g/mol were prepared via condensation polymerization. These liquid prepolymers were then thermally cross-linked to form degradable elastomeric structures. The ability to vary the composition of these liquid prepolymers allows for easy control of the mechanical and degradation properties of the resulting elastomeric structures. Materials can be designed to completely degrade in vitro over a range of 30 days to 6 months, while the Young's modulus can be varied over 3 orders of magnitude (G = 0.02-20 MPa). Also, the liquid nature of these prepolymers makes them amenable to a wide variety of fabrication techniques. Using traditional and modified imprint lithography techniques, we have fabricated devices that demonstrate a wide variety of biologically applicable topologies, which could easily be extended to fabricate devices with more complex geometries. Until now, no method has combined this ease and speed of fabrication with the ability to control the mechanical and degradation properties of the resulting elastomers over such a broad range.

Biodegradable polymers suitable for tissue engineering and drug delivery systems

“…As it was previously mentioned, suitable techniques in modification of mechanical features are synthesis of copolymers with other monomers or preparation of blends with polylactones, polyethers, poly(amino acids), polycarbonates, polyurethanes and other polymers of natural and synthetic origin [34][35][36][37].…”

Biodegradable Polymers: Medical Applications

“…Poly(ester ether)s are prepared by reacting oligomeric ethylene glycol and trans-β-hydromuconic acid via the polycondensation reaction. Low M w poly(ester ether)s were obtained as amorphous liquids at room temperature (157,158). The double bonds of this polymer participate in cross-linking.…”

“…The double bonds of this polymer participate in cross-linking. Therefore, they are promising biomaterials for filling nonuniform defects (158). Also, they can be fabricated into complex architectures, which is not easy with solid polyesters (158).…”

Electrochemical Conversion of Biologically Produced Muconic Acid: Key Considerations for Scale-Up and Corresponding Technoeconomic Analysis

“…20, 23 In addition to its potential conversion to large-scale commodity chemicals, MA is also an intermediate to trans-3-hexenedioic acid (t3HDA), a promising monomer for the production of bioadvantaged nylons ( Figure 1) and poly(ester)ethers: the additional double bond compared to adipic acid enables the subsequent functionalization of the polyamide, thus creating nylons with tailored properties. 17,24,25 Figure 1. Potential commercial products derived from unsaturated polyamide 6,6 (UPA 6,6).…”