Reaction Behavior of Biodegradable, Photo-Cross-Linkable Polyanhydrides

Abstract

The polymerization behavior of a new class of dimethacrylated anhydride monomers that react to form highly cross-linked degradable networks was investigated using various photoinitiation schemes. Polymerizations occurred in seconds to minutes depending on the initiating conditions, and conversions in excess of 0.95 were achievable. A photobleaching visible light initiating system was used to improve the depth of cure for the production of polymers with appreciable dimensions. One potential application for the proposed multifunctional monomers is in vivo curing of high-strength, degradable polymers for fracture fixation or filling of trabecular bone defects.

Polymer Chemistry and Synthetic Polymers

“…Tyrosine-based polycarbonates have been reported as promising degradable polymers for use as tissue engineering scaffolds in orthopaedic applications [85]. These polymers possess three potentially hydrolysable bonds: amide, carbonate and ester.…”

Protecting biodegradable coatings releasing antimicrobial agents

“…Nevertheless, their efficiency has been limited by their bulk erosion, which has reduced the mechanical characteristics of the coating. 7 Polyanhydrides are degradable polymers that have been used in a number of applications, including biomaterials, 8,9 drug carriers, 10 and tissue engineering.…”

A Method to Protect Sensitive Molecules from a Light‐Induced Polymerizing Environment

“…[1][2][3][4][5][6][7] These matrices have the potential advantage of being formed in vivo at the tissue site of interest via minimally invasive procedures, and can be used as scaffolds in tissue engineering, 1,3,4 for cell encapsulation, 5,6 as drug delivery systems, 2,7 and as fillers for a tissue defect.…”

“…Although significant advancements have been made in photopolymerization in a biological environment, [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][11][12][13][14] the concern as to whether the polymerizing environment could be deleterious to sensitive or reactive molecules, which are entrapped within the matrix, remains to be addressed. It is conceivable that, in addition to possible light-induced alterations such as photooxidation, 10 sensitive molecules could be chemically altered upon reacting with monomers, matrix components, and polymerizing species.…”