Photo-crosslinked synthetic biodegradable polymer networks for biomedical applications

Abstract

Photo-crosslinked synthetic biodegradable polymer networks are highly interesting materials for utilization in biomedical applications such as drug delivery, cell encapsulation and tissue engineering scaffolds. Varying the architecture, chemistry, degree of functionalization and molecular weight of the macromer precursor molecules results in networks with a wide range of physical-and mechanical properties, crosslinking densities, degradation characteristics and thus in potential applications. Photo-crosslinked networks can easily be prepared and have the possibility to entrap a wide range of (biologically active) substances and cells. Additionally, spatial and temporal control over the crosslinking process when using additive manufacturing processes, allows for the preparation of network structures with complex shapes. Photocrosslinked networks have been used to prepare drug delivery devices, as these networks allow for drug delivery in a controlled way over a prolonged period of time. Furthermore, additive manufacturing techniques such as extrusion-based additive manufacturing and stereolithography have been used to prepare photo-crosslinked tissue engineering scaffolds. This allows for the preparation of designed porous structures with precise control over the pore size and pore architecture and optimal mechanical properties. In particular for stereolithography, a wide variety of resins based on biodegradable photo-crosslinkable macromers has been developed.

Recent Progress on Polymer Materials for Additive Manufacturing

“…As a result, fumarates are more suitable for clinical applications. [71] PPF is commonly used for bone graft applications, and PPF of lower molecular weight facilitates scaffold resorption by neobone formation. [72] PPF can also be used to print precise scaffolds capable of supporting cell culture such as for angiogenesis.…”

Composite Hydrogel of Methacrylated Hyaluronic Acid and Fragmented Polycaprolactone Nanofiber for Osteogenic Differentiation of Adipose-Derived Stem Cells

“…In addition, the physicochemical properties of hydrogels, such as mechanical properties, degradation rates and swelling ratios, can be adjusted by controlling the UV intensity, photo-initiator or monomer concentrations, crosslinking time and molecular weight [ 12 , 13 , 14 ]. As such, photo-crosslinked hydrogels have been used for a variety of biomedical applications, such as drug delivery, tissue engineering and biosensing [ 15 , 16 , 17 ].…”

Synthesis and characterization of photo-crosslinked poly(carbonate anhydrides)

“…Biodegradable and biocompatible polymers receive significant interest in the biomedical field for applications such as implants materials and drug delivery devices. Poly(trimethylene carbonate) (PTMC) is an amorphous polymer which has a low glass transition temperature of approximately -16°C [1]. The mechanical properties of PTMC depend strongly on the molecular weight of the polymer [2].…”

“…van Bochove, J. V. Seppälä * place via surface erosion. This allows the networks to obtain their mechanical strength during degradation, which is essential for load-bearing applications [1]. Previously, our group has reported on the preparation and characterization of photo-crosslinked poly(ester anhydrides) prepared from poly(ɛ-caprolactone) (PCL) and polylactide (PLA) [20][21][22][23][24].…”

“…1 H-NMR spectra of (a) PTMC oligomer, (b) acidsubstituted PTMC, and (c) methacrylated PTMC anhydride.…”