Design and Characterization of Aromatic Copolyesters Containing Furan and Isophthalic Rings with Suitable Properties...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Biomedical Engineering
• Polymer Chemistry

Background:

• Cardiovascular diseases cause significant disability and death globally.
• Occlusion of small-diameter vessels (<6 mm) is a major complication requiring effective treatments.
• Development of advanced biomaterials is crucial for soft tissue engineering, especially for vascular applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize novel random copolyesters of PBF and PBI.
• To evaluate the thermal, mechanical, and long-term stability of these copolyesters under physiological conditions.
• To assess the biocompatibility, including cytotoxicity and hemocompatibility, for potential use in vascular tissue engineering.

Main Methods:

• Two-step melt polycondensation was used to synthesize PBF-PBI random copolyesters.
• Comprehensive characterization included molecular, thermal (e.g., T_g), and mechanical (e.g., ultimate strength, elastic moduli) analyses.
• Biocompatibility was evaluated through direct contact assays with human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and hemocompatibility tests (platelet and fibrinogen adhesion).

Main Results:

• The amorphous copolyesters exhibited a glass transition temperature (T_g) near room temperature, allowing for easy film processing.
• Materials demonstrated high thermal stability and tunable mechanical properties, including high ultimate strength.
• Long-term stability under physiological conditions was confirmed, with favorable cytotoxicity and hemocompatibility profiles.

Conclusions:

• Chemical design of PBF-PBI copolyesters allows for tuning of solid-state and functional properties.
• These materials show potential for soft tissue engineering applications, particularly in vascular tissue regeneration.
• The developed copolyesters represent a promising new class of biomaterials for addressing cardiovascular complications.