CO/Alkene Copolymers as a Promising Class of Biocompatible Materials, 1. Examination of the In Vitro Toxicity

Abstract

Full Paper: Novel 1,4-polyketones were synthesized by a Pd II catalyzed copolymerization reaction from cheap technical monomers. The spectrum of mechanical properties ranges from highly crystalline, hard materials to thermoplastic, soft elastomers. The hydrophilicity of the surface is adjustable from nonpolar to highly polar by a proper choice of the a-olefin component. This control of polymer properties is a basis for the development of new biocompatible materials. The results of standardized as well as more specific in vitro tests clearly demonstrate the nontoxicity of the investigated copolymers.Polyketone synthesis.

CO/Alkene Copolymers as a Promising Class of Biocompatible Materials, 2. Bone Growth Directed Performance of Bone Marrow Cell Spreading

“…Within this study the influence of polyketone polarity on in vitro growth and the differentiation of human bone marrow cells was investigated. An increase of the secretion of glycoproteins characteristic for osteoid formation and of the von Kossa staining intensity visualizing the mineralization of extra‐cellular matrix coincided with the decrease of the surface polarity 2. The results clearly demonstrated an increase in mineralization activities with decreasing polarity of the tested 1,4‐polyketones.…”

“…Furthermore, the polymers are produced without any additives such as fillers or plasticizers. In vitro tests over a period of 60 days verified the non‐toxic behavior of the investigated polyketones 2…”

“…High‐molecular‐weight propylene‐, octadecylene‐ and ethylene‐CO co‐ and terpolymers were prepared using a palladium( II ) complex. For reagents and procedures for the polyketone synthesis as well as sterilization and cell culturing techniques, see Part 1 of this series 2…”

“…Supernatants: The complete IMDM‐Medium gained from the human bone marrow cell culture2 was changed twice a week, on the third and the seventh days. The removed medium was harvested and centrifuged at 2 500 rpm for 10 minutes at room temperature.…”

“…A promising class of polymers for biocompatible application are novel, variable high molecular 1,4‐polyketones. A detailed discussion about these polymer materials (synthesis, specific design of material properties, toxicity tests) is summarized in Part 1 of this series 2. Simple copolymerization synthesis of technical monomers ( α ‐olefins and CO) by Pd II catalysts, and the possibility of tuning the polarity and the crystallinity of the soluble, high‐molecular‐weight polyketone products are outstanding advantages.…”