Biodegradable synthetic polymers for tissue engineering

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Tissue Engineering

Background:

• Biodegradable synthetic polymers are crucial for tissue engineering.
• Polyesters, including polyglycolides and polylactides, are widely studied but have limitations.
• Limitations include poor biocompatibility, acidic degradation products, and mechanical instability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review biodegradable synthetic polymers for tissue engineering.
• To discuss synthesis, properties, biodegradability, and degradation of various polymer classes.
• To highlight advancements and emerging materials meeting demanding tissue engineering requirements.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of biodegradable synthetic polymers.
• Discussion of polyester family, polyorthoesters, polyanhydrides, polyphosphazenes, and polyurethanes.
• Analysis of polymer properties, degradation modes, and tissue engineering applications.

Main Results:

• Polyesters have drawbacks like poor biocompatibility and mechanical property loss.
• Polyorthoesters, polyanhydrides, polyphosphazenes, and polyurethanes present alternative properties.
• Injectable compositions based on poly (propylene fumarate) and poly (anhydrides) are emerging for orthopaedic tissue engineering.
• Polyurethanes show promise due to tunable mechanical properties and biodegradability.

Conclusions:

• Biodegradable synthetic polymers are essential for tissue engineering innovation.
• Addressing limitations of traditional polyesters is key to developing advanced biomaterials.
• Emerging polymers like polyurethanes offer tailored solutions for diverse tissue engineering needs.