Emulsion-derived foams (PolyHIPEs) containing poly(epsilon-caprolactone) as matrixes for tissue engineering

The preparation of PolyHIPE foams containing poly(epsilon-caprolactone) from macromonomers by free radical homo- or copolymerization is described. The macromonomers are synthesized from PCL diols and are polymerized in the continuous phase of high internal phase emulsions (HIPEs). Subsequent drying yields low-density foams with cell diameters of 5-100 microm. Foam morphology, as determined by scanning electron microscopy, depends on the type of diluent (styrene, methyl methacrylate, or toluene) added to the emulsion organic phase and on the PCL content. Increasing the latter increases the continuous phase viscosity to a point where emulsion formation is impeded. Foam swelling in toluene, 2-propanol, and water was investigated by solvent imbibition and increased with increasing solvent hydrophobicity. Furthermore, it was found generally to decrease with increasing PCL content, due to increasing cross-link density. Swelling generally increased when higher molar mass PCL macromonomer was used due to the formation of a less tightly cross-linked network. One type of foam sample was shown to support the growth of human fibroblasts over a period of 2.5 days.