Polycaprolactone: Synthesis, Properties, and Applications

Abstract

Polycaprolactone (PCL) is one of the earliest, commercially available, synthetic polymers characterized by a large set of biodegradation and mechanical properties that can be finely controlled by regulating the local environmental driving forces (ie, microorganisms, enzymes, hydrolysis). Owing to their faster resorbability and long‐term degradation in the presence of water (up to 3 to 4 years), PCL has been widely investigated as a bioinspired material able to target selective cell response via controlled intracellular resorption pathways. In comparison with other aliphatic polyesters, the superior rheological and viscoelastic properties render PCL easy to manufacture and manipulate into a wide range of three‐dimensional platforms (ie, porous scaffold, micro‐ and nanocarriers, and implantable devices). In this article, we discuss the main relationships between polymer synthesis, physical/chemical properties, and processing conditions to optimize the fabrication of biodegradable devices made of PCL, putting particular focus on drug delivery, tissue engineering. and green chemistry applications.

<p>Polycaprolactone: How a Well-Known and Futuristic Polymer Has Become an Innovative Collagen-Stimulator in Esthetics</p>

“…Several reviews have been dedicated to PCL. [7][8][9][10][11][12][13] PCL Safety Is Based on Its Physicochemical Characteristics PCL is biocompatible. In vitro and in vivo tests have been carried out according to state-of-the-art standards (ISO 10993) to evidence the safety of PCL when placed in contact with human tissues and fluids.…”

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“…It has also been certified as an FDA-approved (United Stated of America) and EC registered mark (Europe) for use in a large number of drug-delivery and medical devices. More recently, the PCL biodegradation associated to the superior rheological properties (including easy processability) has also attracted interest for the design of biodegradable devices [175,176].…”

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“…It is less brittle than other polyesters and displays superior rheological and viscoelastic properties. 4,5 In combination with modern fabrication techniques, an endless number of shapes can be produced enabling customized implant creation. 6 However, challenges include the maintenance of strength and stability during wound healing and the long degradation time of 2-4 years.…”

“…The latter can be fine-tuned by copolymerization with lactones or glycolides and lactides, which significantly shorten the resorption duration to suit the respective tissue regeneration times. 4,5 Other challenges for the application of PCL in tissue regeneration include its unfavorable surface properties for cell adhesion. The material is very hydrophobic and has a low wettability limiting cell-surface-interactions.…”