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Surface and bulk modifications to photocrosslinked polyanhydrides to control degradation behavior
A K Burkoth1, J Burdick, K S Anseth
1Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado 80309-0424, USA.
Journal of Biomedical Materials Research
|July 6, 2000
Summary
New polyanhydride biomaterials offer tunable degradation rates for medical uses. Researchers modified these surface-eroding polymers with hydrophobic components and photografting to control breakdown and cellular interactions for potential bone tissue engineering applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Tissue Engineering
Background:
- Polyanhydrides are a class of biodegradable polymers with potential in medical applications.
- Surface-eroding polyanhydrides offer controlled degradation profiles.
- Previous work indicated degradation rates are linked to material hydrophobicity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore surface-eroding polyanhydrides for high-strength biomaterial applications.
- To demonstrate control over degradation and cellular response through material modification.
- To investigate potential use as synthetic allografts for bone tissue engineering.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of dimethacrylated anhydride monomers for photopolymerization.
- Incorporation of hydrophobic linear polymers (e.g., poly(methyl methacrylate)) and natural hydrophobic monomers (cholesterol, stearic acid).
- Application of photografting to modify surface chemistry and porogen leaching to create porous constructs.
Main Results:
- Degradation rate (mass loss) was successfully controlled by incorporating hydrophobic components.
- Photografting with cholesterol and stearic acid derivatives modulated surface chemistry and cellular interactions.
- Porous polyanhydride scaffolds were fabricated for potential integration with osteoblasts.
Conclusions:
- Surface-eroding polyanhydrides can be engineered for tunable degradation and tailored cellular responses.
- Hydrophobic modifications and surface grafting offer versatile strategies for controlling biomaterial behavior.
- These advanced polyanhydrides show promise for orthopedic applications and bone tissue engineering.