In vivo biocompatible shape memory polyester derived from recycled polycarbonate e-waste for biomedical application

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Biomaterials Engineering

Background:

• Polycarbonate (PC) offers excellent mechanical and optical properties, leading to widespread use but also significant e-waste challenges due to its non-biodegradability.
• Recycling PC is crucial for environmental sustainability, yet effective methods for repurposing PC waste into valuable materials are limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop low-cost, biodegradable, and biocompatible biopolymers from recycled polycarbonate (PC) e-waste.
• To investigate the synthesis and properties of novel polyesters derived from recycled PC waste for potential biomaterial applications.

Main Methods:

• Synthesized a family of biopolymers via solvent and catalyst-free melt polycondensation of bis(hydroxyethyl ether) of bisphenol A (BHEEB) derived from recycled PC, with renewable resources like sebacic acid, citric acid, and mannitol.
• Characterized the synthesized polyesters using FTIR, NMR, XRD, and DSC.
• Evaluated mechanical properties, biodegradation behavior, shape memory effects, and in vitro/in vivo cytocompatibility.

Main Results:

• Successfully synthesized novel biodegradable and biocompatible polyesters from recycled PC e-waste.
• Demonstrated tunable mechanical properties and biodegradation rates by adjusting monomer feed ratios.
• Exhibited excellent shape memory properties at ambient temperature and outstanding recovery.
• Showcased exceptional in vitro and in vivo cytocompatibility and cell proliferation rates.

Conclusions:

• Novel polyesters derived from recycled PC e-waste offer a sustainable pathway for material valorization.
• These biopolymers possess desirable properties, including biodegradability, biocompatibility, and shape memory effects.
• The synthesized polyesters represent promising candidates for future resorbable biomaterials in tissue engineering applications.