Shape-memory properties and degradation behavior of multifunctional electro-spun scaffolds

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Active self-anchoring implants require advanced biomaterials with degradability and shape-memory properties.
• Multiblock copolymers combining poly(p-dioxanone) (PPDO) and poly(e-caprolactone) (PCL) offer potential for such applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the shape-memory capability of electro-spun PDC scaffolds.
• To evaluate the in vitro hydrolytic and enzymatic degradation behavior of these scaffolds.

Main Methods:

• Electro-spinning of a multiblock copolymer composed of PPDO and PCL segments (PDC).
• Characterization of scaffold morphology, including thickness and porosity.
• Assessment of shape-memory properties (recovery rate, recovery stress, switching temperature).
• In vitro degradation studies under hydrolytic and enzymatic conditions (using Pseudomonas cepacia lipase).

Main Results:

• Electro-spun PDC scaffolds exhibited excellent shape-memory properties with high recovery rates (92-98%) and recovery stress (4.6-5.0 MPa).
• The switching temperature was close to the melting temperature of PCL domains (32-35 °C).
• Linear mass loss was observed during both hydrolytic and enzymatic degradation.
• Enzymatic degradation was significantly accelerated by lipase, leading to complete mechanical failure within 4 days, while hydrolytic degradation showed a decrease in elongation at break over 92 days.

Conclusions:

• PDC polymer scaffolds demonstrate significant potential as multifunctional biomaterials for active self-anchoring implants.
• The combination of shape-memory effects and tunable degradation profiles is advantageous for medical device applications.
• Further research could optimize scaffold design and degradation kinetics for specific clinical needs.