In vitro degradation characteristics of photocrosslinked anhydride systems for bone augmentation applications

In the past decade, injectable biomaterials that are capable of in situ formation have garnered increased interest for use in restorative orthopedic procedures. In this study, the in vitro degradation of photocrosslinked polyanhydride matrices, derived from methacrylic anhydrides of 1,6-bis(p-carboxyphenoxy)hexane (MCPH) and sebacic acid (MSA) were evaluated over a 6-week period under physiological conditions. These matrices were augmented with two additives--the reactive diluent poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) and the buffering agent calcium carbonate (CaCO3). Disk shaped specimens were produced by crosslinking the components using both chemical and photoinitiators and exposure to visible light. The experimental variables studied included: MCPH:MSA ratio, PEGDA molecular weight and weight fraction, and incorporation of CaCO3. The effects of these variables on local pH, water uptake, mass loss, and mechanical properties were explored. Increasing the MCPH:MSA ratio decreased the mass loss and water uptake at predetermined endpoints, and decreased buffer acidity during degradation. Both PEGDA and CaCO3 were found to decrease acidity and to reduce water uptake during degradation. Incorporation of CaCO3 enabled maintenance of compressive modulus during degradation. These results demonstrate that incorporation of reactive diluents and nonreactive additives into networks of photocrosslinked anhydrides can improve system properties as a material for bone replacement.