Preparation of biocompatible, UV-cured fumarated poly(ether-ester)-based tissue-engineering hydrogels

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Drug Delivery Systems

Background:

• Biodegradable polymers are crucial for advanced medical applications.
• In situ forming hydrogels offer advantages for minimally invasive procedures.
• Poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) is a widely used biodegradable and biocompatible polymer.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize novel biodegradable, photo-polymerizable hydrogels.
• To modify poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) with fumaric acid monoethyl ester (FAME).
• To evaluate the in situ gel-forming properties, degradation, and biocompatibility of the developed hydrogels.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of hydroxyl-terminated branched PLGA using lactide, glycolide, stannous octoate, and 2-ethyl,2-hydroxymethyl 1,3-propanediol.
• Modification of PLGA with FAME using N,N'-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide and triethylamine.
• Characterization of hydrogels including gel percentage, swelling, degradation, polymerization kinetics, and MTT cytotoxicity assay.

Main Results:

• FAME-modified PLGA co-polymers formed biodegradable, photo-polymerizable hydrogels.
• Hydrogel properties such as gel percentage, swelling, degradation, and polymerization kinetics were influenced by FAME-PLGA content.
• MTT assay confirmed hydrogel biocompatibility, with cell viability decreasing from 100% at 15% FAME-PLGA to 78% at 30%.

Conclusions:

• Novel FAME-modified PLGA hydrogels can be synthesized for in situ gel formation.
• The developed hydrogels exhibit tunable properties and good biocompatibility.
• The concentration of FAME-PLGA influences hydrogel characteristics and cell viability, suggesting potential for controlled drug delivery applications.