Efficient, original synthesis of poly­(glycerol sebacate) (PGS) via polycondensation of glycerine and sebacic acid was achieved. The process was successfully optimized by using the Box–Behnken design. PGS was obtained with a high conversion of the carboxylic group (89%) and a very high degree of esterification (∼82%), containing no catalysts residues. A method was developed for purification of prepolymer PGS. Because biocompatible substrates are used, this method for obtaining the polymer can be used in medical and pharmaceutical applications.

The existence of orderly structures, such as tissues and organs is made possible by cell adhesion, i.e., the process by which cells attach to neighbouring cells and a supporting substance in the form of the extracellular matrix. The extracellular matrix is a three-dimensional structure composed of collagens, elastin, and various proteoglycans and glycoproteins. It is a storehouse for multiple signalling factors. Cells are informed of their correct connection to the matrix via receptors. Tissue disruption often prevents the natural reconstitution of the matrix. The use of appropriate implants is then required. This review is a compilation of crucial information on the structural and functional features of the extracellular matrix and the complex mechanisms of cell–cell connectivity. The possibilities of regenerating damaged tissues using an artificial matrix substitute are described, detailing the host response to the implant. An important issue is the surface properties of such an implant and the possibilities of their modification.

Two types of poly(glycerol sebacate) (PGS) prepolymers were synthesized and electrospun with poly(l-lactic acid) (PLA), resulting in bicomponent nonwovens. The obtained materials were pre-heated in a vacuum, at different times, to crosslink PGS and investigate morphological and structural dependencies in that polymeric, electrospun system. As both PGS and PLA are sensitive to pre-heating (crosslinking) conditions, research concerns both components. More interest is focused on the properties of PGS, considering further research for mechanical properties and subsequent experiments with PGS synthesis. Electrospinning of PGS blended with PLA does not bring difficulties, but obtaining elastomeric properties of nonwovens is problematic. Even though PGS has many potential advantages over other polyesters when soft tissue engineering is considered, its full utilization via the electrospinning process is much harder in practice. Further investigations are ongoing, especially with the promising PGS prepolymer with a higher esterification degree and its variations.

This study was conducted as a first step in obtaining eco-friendly fibres for medical applications using a synthesised oligomer poly(glycerol succinate) (PGSu) as an additive for synthetic poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) and poly (L-lactide-co-caprolactone) (PLCL). The effects of the oligomer on the structure formation, morphology, crystallisation behaviour, and mechanical properties of electrospun bicomponent fibres were investigated. Nonwovens were investigated by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), wide angle X-ray scattering (WAXS), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and mechanical testing. The molecular structure of PLLA fibres is influenced by the presence of PGSu mainly acting as an enhancer of molecular orientation. In the case of semicrystalline PLCL, chain mobility was enhanced by the presence of PGSu molecules, and the crystallinity of bicomponent fibres increased in relation to that of pure PLCL. The mechanical properties of bicomponent fibres were influenced by the level of PGSu present and the extent of crystal formation of the main component. An in vitro study conducted using L929 cells confirmed the biocompatible character of all bicomponent fibres.

We created polyester, which building blocks naturally occur in the human organism: glycerol and succinic acid. A process of preparation of poly(glycerol succinate) resins and its purification was developed. The resins were obtained in a polycondensation reaction with the monomer being prepared in situ. Due to that, succinic anhydride and glycerol were used as reaction substrates. The obtained resins were next crosslinked toelastomers. Mathematical models described both processes for the first time in the case of poly(glycerol succinate). Such models are allowing for defining the process parameters to obtain a material with desired properties. For example, optimal conditions for resins synthesis were estimated, and requirements for yielding elastomer with Tg in range −10 to 40°C could be determined based on our second model. Such a novel approach combines science with industry needs, where knowledge of processes is key to success. Also, it has to be said that glycerol, which is a waste of biodiesel production, could be used in our process, but we recommend prior purification.