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The Preparation and Properties of Thermo-reversibly Cross-linked Rubber Via Diels-Alder Chemistry
Published on: August 25, 2016
Development and characterisation of novel cross-linked bio-elastomeric materials
Elizabeth M Srokowski1, Kimberly A Woodhouse
1Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada M5S 3E5.
Journal of Biomaterials Science. Polymer Edition
|June 7, 2008
Summary
Engineered elastin-like polypeptides (ELPs) were cross-linked to create novel biomaterials. These ELP-based gels and foams exhibit distinct properties suitable for soft tissue replacement applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Tissue Engineering
Background:
- Recombinantly-engineered elastin-like polypeptides (ELPs) mimic native elastin properties.
- ELPs are promising for designing biomaterials in tissue engineering.
- Native elastin's attributes make it attractive for biomaterial development.
Purpose of the Study:
- Synthesize and characterize bulk material properties of two ELP sequences (ELP2 and ELP4).
- Investigate ELPs cross-linked with lysine diisocyanate (LDI).
- Compare properties of gel-like and porous foam-like ELP materials.
Main Methods:
- Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for morphology.
- Compression testing for mechanical properties.
- Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) for thermal analysis.
- Swelling analysis to determine water uptake.
Main Results:
- Two distinct ELP-based materials (gel and foam) were synthesized from ELP2 and ELP4.
- Material properties varied based on ELP sequence and cross-linking conditions.
- ELP gels exhibited denser morphology, lower compressive moduli, higher melting temperatures, and greater swelling capacity than ELP foams.
Conclusions:
- Novel cross-linked bio-elastomeric materials were developed.
- These materials show promising properties for soft tissue replacement.
- Potential applications include load-bearing soft tissue applications.
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