Injectable and photocurable macromonomers synthesized using a heterometallic magnesium-titanium metal-organic...

Area of Science:

• Polymer Chemistry
• Biomaterials Science
• Catalysis

Background:

• Injectable and in situ photocurable biomaterials are crucial for minimally invasive surgery.
• Existing catalysts often have limitations in synthesizing these advanced materials.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize photocurable ester-urethane macromonomers using a heterometallic magnesium-titanium catalyst.
• To evaluate the properties and biocompatibility of the resulting elastomeric polymer networks.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of macromonomers using magnesium-titanium(IV) butoxide catalyst.
• Characterization via infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and gel permeation chromatography.
• Rheological, photocuring, thermal, and mechanical property analysis, along with in vitro cytotoxicity testing.

Main Results:

• Successful synthesis and characterization of photocurable ester-urethane macromonomers.
• Photocurable networks exhibited desirable thermal and mechanical properties.
• High cell viability (>77%) confirmed excellent in vitro biocompatibility.

Conclusions:

• The heterometallic magnesium-titanium butoxide catalyst is an effective alternative for synthesizing injectable photocurable biomaterials.
• These materials are suitable for medical applications, particularly in minimally invasive procedures.