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Published on: August 19, 2015
Emulsion-derived foams (PolyHIPEs) containing poly(epsilon-caprolactone) as matrixes for tissue engineering
W Busby1, N R Cameron, C A Jahoda
1Department of Chemistry, University of Durham, South Road, Durham DH1 3LE, UK.
Biomacromolecules
|December 26, 2001
Summary
Poly(epsilon-caprolactone) macromonomers create PolyHIPE foams via free radical polymerization. Foam properties like morphology and swelling depend on diluents and poly(epsilon-caprolactone) content, with potential for cell growth.
Area of Science:
- Polymer Chemistry
- Materials Science
- Biomaterials
Background:
- High internal phase emulsions (HIPEs) are versatile templates for creating porous materials.
- Poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL) is a biodegradable polyester with tunable properties.
- Macromonomer polymerization offers control over polymer network architecture.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize and characterize poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL)-containing PolyHIPE foams.
- To investigate the influence of synthesis parameters on foam morphology and properties.
- To evaluate the swelling behavior and potential biocompatibility of the developed foams.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of PCL macromonomers from PCL diols.
- Free radical homo- or copolymerization of macromonomers in HIPEs.
- Characterization of foam morphology using scanning electron microscopy.
- Assessment of foam swelling via solvent imbibition.
- Evaluation of human fibroblast cell growth on foam samples.
Main Results:
- Low-density PolyHIPE foams with 5-100 micrometer cell diameters were successfully prepared.
- Foam morphology was significantly influenced by the choice of diluent (styrene, MMA, toluene) and PCL content.
- Increasing PCL content enhanced continuous phase viscosity, potentially hindering emulsion formation.
- Foam swelling increased with solvent hydrophobicity and decreased with higher PCL content due to cross-linking.
- Higher molar mass PCL macromonomers resulted in less tightly cross-linked networks and increased swelling.
- One foam type supported human fibroblast growth for 2.5 days.
Conclusions:
- PolyHIPE foams incorporating PCL can be controllably synthesized using macromonomer polymerization.
- Foam structure and solvent interaction are tunable via PCL content, macromonomer molar mass, and diluent selection.
- The developed PCL-based PolyHIPE foams show promise as potential scaffolds for tissue engineering applications.
