Synthesis and characterization of photocurable elastomers from poly(glycerol-co-sebacate)

Elastomeric networks are increasingly being investigated for a variety of biomedical applications including drug delivery and tissue engineering. However, in some cases, their preparation requires the use of harsh processing conditions (e.g., high temperature), which limits their biomedical application. Herein, we demonstrate the ability to form elastomeric networks from poly(glycerol-co-sebacate) acrylate (PGSA) under mild conditions while preserving a wide range of physical properties. These networks presented a Young's modulus between 0.05 and 1.38 MPa, an ultimate strength from 0.05 to 0.50 Mpa, and elongation at break between 42% and 189% strain, by varying the degree of acrylation (DA) of PGSA. The in vitro enzymatic and hydrolytic degradation of the polymer networks was dependent on the DA. The copolymerization of poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate with PGSA allowed for an additional control of mechanical properties and swelling ratios in an aqueous environment, as well as enzymatic and hydrolytic degradation. Photocured PGSA networks demonstrated in vitro biocompatibility as judged by sufficient human primary cell adherence and subsequent proliferation into a confluent monolayer. These photocurable degradable elastomers could have potential application for the encapsulation of temperature-sensitive factors and cells for tissue engineering.