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Amorphous Polymer Networks Combining Three Functionalities–Shape-memory, Biodegradability, and Drug Release

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  31 January 2011

Christian Wischke
Affiliation:
christian.wischke@gkss.de, GKSS Research Center Geesthacht GmbH, Center for Biomaterial Development, Teltow, Germany
Axel Thomas Neffe
Affiliation:
axel.neffe@gkss.de, GKSS Research Center Geesthacht GmbH, Center for Biomaterial Development, Teltow, Germany
Susi Steuer
Affiliation:
teltow@gkss.de, Intervet Innovation GmbH, Schwabenheim, Germany
Andreas Lendlein
Affiliation:
lendlein@online.de, GKSS Research Center Geesthacht GmbH, Center for Biomaterial Development, Teltow, Germany
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Abstract

Shape-memory polymers are of high scientific and technological interest in the biomedical field, e.g., as matrix for self-anchoring implantable devices. In this study, two different star-shaped copolyester tetroles, semi-crystalline oligo[(-caprolactone)-co-glycolide]tetrol (oCG) and amorphous oligo[(rac-lactide)-co-glycolide]tetrol (oLG), were synthesized and subsequently crosslinked by a low molecular weight diisocyanate resulting in copolyester urethane networks (N-CG, N-LG). Both networks could be loaded with model drugs and a diffusion controlled release of the drugs was observed without any effect on the mass loss as measure of hydrolytic degradation. However, the N-CG network’s capability of shape programming was disturbed as the crystallinity of the precursors got lost in the complex three dimensional architecture after crosslinking. By contrast, amorphous N-LG network showed an excellent shape-memory capability with a switching temperature around 36 °C corresponding to their glass transition temperature. This led to triple-functional materials combining biodegradability, shape-memory, and controlled drug release.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 2009

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