Properties to consider in the design of a bone tissue polymer construct include degradation rate, strength, flexibility and biocompatibility. Previous research using a lysine dendritic-star polymer provided promising structural and biocompatibility results.  We have since examined the in-vitro degradation of the dendritic polymer and found it to be too slow.   We believe this was due to the masked recognition points needed for enzymatic degradation. To provide enzymatic recognition points, we have synthesized a hyperbranched moiety utilizing a core of generation-2 dendritic L-lysine.  A star polymer was then synthesized by polymerizing e-caprolactone on the hyperbranched polymer termini.  This new construct is being examined to compare its structural properties to the dendritic moiety and explore the enzymatic degradation, as some lysine e-amines have been left uncoupled.  Finally, hydroxyapatite (HA) was synthesized in the presence of the star polymer to make a composite material to be tested for tensile strength, flexibility and biocompatibility.

Synthesis and enzymatic degradation of polymeric-ceramic composites as potential bone substitutes

239th National Meeting (2010)

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