Biocompatible Semi-Interpenetrating Materials Based on Poly(3-hydroxyalkanoate)s and Poly(ethyleneglycol) Diacrylate

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Tissue Engineering

Background:

• Development of biocompatible hydrogels is crucial for advanced biomedical applications.
• Poly(3-hydroxyalkanoate)s (PHAs) offer tunable properties but require effective cross-linking strategies.
• Poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) is a common cross-linker in hydrogel synthesis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize novel biocompatible gels based on PHA and PEGDA.
• To investigate the effect of PHA type and content on network properties.
• To evaluate the chemical cross-linking, swelling behavior, mechanical properties, and cytotoxicity of the developed networks.

Main Methods:

• Radical polymerization of PHA and PEGDA to form cross-linked networks.
• Characterization using FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, DSC, TGA, and NMR (including 1H DQ NMR).
• Swelling studies in organic solvents (THF) and water.
• Rheological analysis to determine network stiffness.
• In vitro cytotoxicity assessment using C2C12 myoblast cells.

Main Results:

• Successful formation of PHA_xPEGDA_1-x networks with varying microscopic structures based on polymer ratios.
• Demonstrated chemical cross-linking between unsaturated PHA (PHOU) and PEGDA via double bonds.
• Achieved high swelling ratios (up to 2000% in THF, 86% in water) and tunable stiffness.
• Confirmed non-cytotoxicity of the developed biocompatible gels.

Conclusions:

• PHA-PEGDA networks can be effectively synthesized with tunable properties.
• The unsaturated PHA (PHOU) enables chemical cross-linking, enhancing network stability.
• These biocompatible and non-cytotoxic gels hold promise for various biomedical applications.