Synthesis and characterization of a biodegradable elastomer featuring a dual crosslinking mechanism

Abstract

The need for advanced materials in emerging technologies such as tissue engineering has prompted increased research to produce novel biodegradable polymers elastic in nature and mechanically compliant with the host tissue. We have developed a soft biodegradable elastomeric platform biomaterial created from citric acid, maleic anhydride, and 1,8-octanediol, poly(octamethylene maleate (anhydride) citrate) (POMaC), which is able to closely mimic the mechanical properties of a wide range of soft biological tissues. POMaC features a dual crosslinking mechanism, which allows for the option of the crosslinking POMaC using UV irradiation and/or polycondensation to fit the needs of the intended application. The material properties, degradation profiles, and functionalities of POMaC thermoset networks can all be tuned through the monomer ratios and the dual crosslinking mechanism. POMaC polymers displayed an initial modulus between 0.03 and 1.54 MPa, and elongation at break between 48% and 534% strain. In vitro and in vivo evaluation using cell culture and subcutaneous implantation, respectively, confirmed cell and tissue biocompatibility. POMaC biodegradable polymers can also be combined with MEMS technology to fabricate soft and elastic 3D microchanneled scaffolds for tissue engineering applications. The introduction of POMaC will expand the choices of available biodegradable polymeric elastomers. The dual crosslinking mechanism for biodegradable elastomer design should contribute to biomaterials science.

How can genipin assist gelatin/carbohydrate chitosan scaffolds to act as replacements of load-bearing soft tissues?

“…Pore size (m) Porosity % Natural load-bearing soft tissues (Buma et al, 2004;Iwasa et al, 2009) soft tissue (Mandal et al, 2011;Levental, Georges, & Janmey, 2007;Tran et al, 2010).…”

Citrate-Based Biomaterials and Their Applications in Regenerative Engineering

“…Vinyl-containing monomers have been incorporated into CBB design to provide a dual cross-linking mechanism: free radical polymerization between unsaturated groups and thermal esterification between carboxyl and hydroxyl groups (Supplemental Figure 1b) (27). For example, vinyl-containing CBBs including poly[octamethylene maleate (anhydride) citrate] (POMaC) and acrylated/fumarate-containing poly(diol citrates) may be cross-linked using free radical polymerization and/or thermal polycondensation.…”

Biomaterial based cardiac tissue engineering and its applications

“…Many designs of cardiac biomaterials aim to encourage the polarization of macrophages to the M2 phenotype, in order to minimize fibrous capsule formation and promote incorporation into host tissue [4, 35, 38]. Minimization of fibrous capsule formation, as well as reduction in the foreign body reaction and chronic inflammation, are considered benchmarks to biocompatibility assessment [5, 8, 33, 39]. …”

“…They are used in different forms, often mixed into co-polymers to allow for the control of degradation rate [6]. These materials often serve as a benchmark when studying the characteristics of new materials [6, 39, 65]. …”