Highly Elastic, Biodegradable Polyester-Based Citrate Rubber for 3D Printing in Regenerative Engineering.

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Tissue Engineering

Background:

• Developing elastic, 3D-printable, and degradable elastomers is crucial for biomedical applications.
• Citrate-based polymers offer potential for biodegradable materials.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize a novel biodegradable citrate rubber, poly(tetrahydrofuran-co-citrate-co-hydroxyl telechelic natural rubber) (PTCR).
• To evaluate its suitability for fabricating 3D-printed bioresorbable scaffolds for tissue engineering.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of PTCR and its methacrylated derivative (mPTCR).
• Chemical characterization using NMR, FTIR, DSC, and TGA.
• Mechanical testing including tensile testing and crimping/expansion.
• In vitro degradation studies and cytocompatibility assays with L929 mouse myoblasts.

Main Results:

• PTCR exhibited significantly improved elasticity (658% dry, 415% swollen) and mechanical strength (0.8 MPa) compared to its non-rubber counterpart.
• 3D-printed mPTCR vascular scaffolds showed excellent mechanical competence (89.4% diameter recovery) and stability.
• In vitro studies confirmed cytocompatibility and cell attachment, with controlled degradation over 6 weeks.

Conclusions:

• The synthesized citrate rubber (PTCR) demonstrates promising properties for biomedical scaffolds.
• The material's elasticity, strength, and 3D-printability meet key requirements for tissue engineering.
• This citrate-based rubber is a viable candidate for developing advanced tissue scaffolds.