Synthesis and characterization of a photo-cross-linked biodegradable elastomer

The synthesis and characterization of a photocurable biodegradable elastomer as a potential biomaterial for the delivery of thermosensitive drugs are described. The elastomer was prepared from UV initiated cross-linking of an acrylated star-poly(epsilon-caprolactone-co-D,L-lactide) prepolymer. The influence of the molecular weight of the acrylated prepolymer on the final elastomer mechanical and thermal properties was determined. The glass-transition temperature of the elastomers was independent of the prepolymer molecular weight and was from -6 to -8 degrees C. The Young's modulus and stress at break of the elastomers was proportional to the inverse of the prepolymer molecular weight, while the strain at break increased in a linear fashion with the prepolymer molecular weight. Over a degradation period of 12 weeks in phosphate buffered saline, the elastomers exhibited little mass loss, appreciable mechanical strength loss, and little dimensional or strain at break change.