Enzymatic Synthesis of Furan-Based Copolymers: Material Characterization and Potential for Biomedical Applications

Abstract

Background: Today's growing demand for advanced and sustainable polyester materials is driven by an increasing awareness of the environmental impact of traditional materials, emphasizing the need for eco-friendly alternatives. Sustainability has become central in materials development, including biomedical field, where biobased and environmentally friendly solutions are rapidly growing field. Objectives: This research aims to comprehensively evaluate new enzymatically catalyzed furan-based copolymer, poly(decamethylene furanoate)-co-(dilinoleic furanoate) (PDF-DLF), with a 70-30 wt% hard-to-soft segment ratio. The study explores its performance across medical applications, with a particular focus on its potential as nanofibrous scaffolding materials. Materials and Methods: PDF-DLF was synthesized from biobased monomers using Candida antarctica lipase B (CAL-B) as the biocatalyst. Material characterization included dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) to assess their mechanical behavior and thermal properties. Enzymatic degradation studies determined biodegradability while cytotoxicity tests established in vitro biocompatibility. The copolymer was electrospun into nanofibers, with SEM analyzing their morphology. Results: PDF-DLF displays mechanical and thermal properties indicating high storage modulus and two main temperature transitions. Enzymatic degradation studies and cytotoxicity assessments confirm biodegradability and in vitro biocompatibility. Successful electrospinning transforms the copolymer into nanofibers with diameters ranging from 500 to 700 nm. Conclusions: This study significantly advances sustainable polyesters with versatile processing capabilities. The successful electrospinning highlights its potential as a biodegradable scaffold for medical engineering, supported by biocompatibility and sufficient mechanical properties. It opens new opportunities for sustainable materials in critical biomedical industries, including tissue engineering.