Manufacture Dependent Differential Biodegradation of 3D Printed Shape Memory Polymers

Area of Science:

• Tissue engineering
• Biomaterials science
• Polymer chemistry

Background:

• 3D printed shape memory polymers (SMPs) are gaining traction in tissue engineering.
• Understanding degradation is crucial for clinical translation of SMPs.
• Material property changes impact in vivo performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the degradation of 3D printed acrylated poly(glycerol-dodecanedioate) (APGD).
• To compare degradation across three manufacturing methods: material extrusion, laser cutting, and vat photopolymerization.
• To assess in vitro (hydrolytic, enzymatic) and in vivo degradation behavior.

Main Methods:

• In vitro hydrolytic and enzymatic degradation assays.
• In vivo subcutaneous implantation in animal models.
• Analysis of mass loss, volume loss, and melt transition temperature.
• Histological examination of surrounding tissues.

Main Results:

• Material extrusion samples exhibited significantly greater mass and volume loss after 2 months compared to laser-cut and vat photopolymerized samples.
• In vitro degradation led to an increase in melt transition temperatures of APGD.
• In vivo degradation did not result in significant changes to melt transition temperatures.
• Histology revealed no significant inflammation around APGD implants.

Conclusions:

• Manufacturing modality influences the degradation rate of 3D printed APGD.
• APGD demonstrates biocompatibility with no significant inflammatory response in vivo.
• 3D printed APGD shows promise for clinical applications in tissue engineering.