Synthesis of functionalized poly(ester carbonate) with laminin-derived peptide for promoting neurite outgrowth of PC12 cells

Maleimide-functionalized poly(ester carbonate)s are synthesized by ring-opening copolymerization of furan-maleimide functionalized trimethylene carbonate (FMTMC) with L-lactide and a subsequent retro Diels-Alder reaction. The maleimide groups on poly(ester carbonate)s are amenable to Michael addition with thiol-containing molecules such as 3-mercapto-1-propanol, 2-aminoethanethiol hydrochloride, and mercaptoacetic acid under mild conditions, enabling the formation of biodegradable materials with various functional groups (e.g., hydroxyl, amine, and carboxyl). In particular, the maleimide-functionalized poly(ester carbonate) is clicked with a laminin-derived peptide CQAASIKVAV. In vitro culture of PC12 cells shows that the maleimide-functionalized polymers, especially the CQAASIKVAV-grafted one, could support cell proliferation and neurite outgrowth. The maleimide-functionalized poly(ester carbonate)s provide a versatile platform for diverse functionalization and have comprehensive potential in biomedical engineering.