This technology comprises biodegradable poly(ester amide) elastomers synthesized via a two-step condensation process that initially combines an alkanedioic acid with polyethylene glycol (PEG) to form a pre-polymer. The process further integrates a polyol and/or polyamine followed by thermal crosslinking under vacuum, culminating in an insoluble material with adjustable mechanical properties. Through the modulation of PEG mole percentages (15–40%) and variable molecular weights (400 Da to 4 kDa), the elastomers’ tensile strength, elastic modulus, elongation, and degradation profiles via surface erosion can be finely tuned. Comprehensive characterization using techniques such as 1H NMR, FTIR, GPC, DSC, SEM, and cell viability assays confirms the material’s consistency and suitability for applications including composite scaffolds in soft tissue engineering.
Description
What sets this technology apart is its customizable synthesis using non-toxic monomers without catalysts, yielding biocompatible degradation products. Its unique formulation enhances solubility and hydrophilicity, enabling processes like electrospinning and salt leaching. These properties ensure consistent mechanical performance during degradation, offering significant advantages for applications such as heart valve tissue engineering and broader soft tissue repair.
Applications
- Heart valve tissue scaffolds
- Vascular graft scaffolds
- Myocardial repair scaffolds
- Cartilage tissue scaffolds
- Drug delivery platforms
Advantages
- Enhanced pre-polymer solubility and hydrophilicity due to PEG incorporation for versatile processing methods.
- Tunable mechanical properties (tensile strength, elastic modulus, elongation) to match tissue requirements.
- Controlled and consistent degradation via surface erosion that aligns with tissue regeneration rates.
- Biocompatible synthesis using non-toxic monomers and catalyst-free processes, ensuring safe degradation products.
- Scalable, cost-effective fabrication with potential for composite scaffold integration (e.g., via electrospinning) for various soft tissue applications.
IP Status
https://patents.google.com/patent/US10682438B2
