Nerve guidance channels based on PLLA–PTMC biomaterial

Abstract

Biodegradable polymers of poly(lactic acid) (PLLA) and synthesized in-house poly(trimethylene carbonate) (PTMC) with admixture of water-soluble methyl cellulose (MC) were used for development of nerve guidance tubes for peripheral nervous system regeneration after injury. Fabrication method involved phase separation of viscous dixane solution of polymers mixture seat on a rod in a proper nonsolvent, which resulted in tubular structure of large porosity. Influence of electron beam sterilization on molecular weight, thermal properties of the polymers, and mechanical performance of the tubes was evaluated. Admixture of hydrophilic MC to synthetic polymers resulted in modification of mechanical properties of the channels. Extraction of MC showed potential of the tubes for releasing water-soluble bioactive molecules, such as for instance growth factors. Basic in vitro MTT and LDH assays showed no cytotoxic effect of manufactured tubes, therefore, animal experimentations may be considered.

Poly(trimethylene carbonate)-based polymers engineered for biodegradable functional biomaterials

“…132 A few synthetic materials are now clinically used only for peripheral nerve repairs in limited cases. 133 For the peripheral nerve system, the injured axons are able to regenerate. In contrast, central nerve reconstruction toward spinal cord regeneration is much more challenging because the glial scar disturbs the regeneration of the injured axons in the microenvironment.…”

Regulation of the mechanical properties and heat resistance of the poly(l‐lactide‐co‐trimethylene carbonate) copolymer by the incorporation of a stereocomplex crystal and graphene oxide

“…Blending or copolymerization with elastomers is an effective method for modifying its structure and properties . Poly(1,3‐trimethylene carbonate) is a kind of poly(ester carbonate) elastomer with a low glass‐transition temperature ( T g ) and high elongation at break . Additionally, 1,3‐trimethylene carbonate (TMC) polymers can be degraded into nontoxic and nonacidic products .…”

Oxygen‐releasing poly(trimethylene carbonate) microspheres for tissue engineering applications

“…Poly(1,3-trimethylene carbonate) (PTMC) has been used in biomedical applications such as drug delivery and soft tissue engineering. [11] It is an amorphous polymer with high flexibility that degrades by a surface erosion process. [12] In vivo, the surface erosion of PTMC is mediated by enzymes produced by cells, among which macrophages are considered to be the most important.…”