Tetrahydrofuran (co)polymers as potential materials for vascular prostheses

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Medical Device Development

Background:

• Vascular prostheses require materials with specific elastomeric properties at body temperature.
• Polyethers, such as poly(tetramethylene oxide) (PTMO), are explored for their potential in biomedical applications.
• Reducing the crystallinity and melting point of PTMO is crucial for achieving the necessary flexibility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the modification of poly(tetramethylene oxide) (PTMO) through crosslinking with poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO).
• To reduce the melting point and crystallinity of PTMO to enhance its elastomeric behavior for vascular prostheses.
• To explore copolymerization of tetrahydrofuran with oxetane or dimethyloxetane to further optimize material properties.

Main Methods:

• Crosslinking poly(tetramethylene oxide) (PTMO) with poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) in the melt.
• Characterizing the resulting hydrophilic networks for changes in melting point and crystallinity.
• Synthesizing copolymers of tetrahydrofuran with oxetane or dimethyloxetane.

Main Results:

• Crosslinking PTMO with PEO resulted in hydrophilic networks.
• Crosslinking decreased PTMO's melting point from 43.7 to 38.4 °C and crystallinity from 46% to 28%.
• Copolymerization yielded materials with melting points below 38 °C and crystallinities below 20%.

Conclusions:

• Crosslinking PTMO with PEO effectively reduces its melting point and crystallinity, enhancing elastomeric properties.
• Modified polyethers show promise as materials for vascular prostheses.
• Copolymerization offers a route to further tailor polyether properties for biomedical applications.