We have successfully synthesized a new type of biodegradable elastomers with tunable mechanical properties. An amphiphilic block copolyester containing hydrophilic poly(ethylene glycol) and a hydrophobic poly(e-caprolactone) carrying radom side chain cyclic ketals was synthesized by ring opening copolymerization. The reactive ketone groups were subsequently generated by quantitatively modifying the cyclic ketals in the hydrophobic block. Acrylate groups were subsequently introduced via an oxime reacting using 2-(2-(aminooxy)acetoxy)ethyl acrylate. The final product was covalently crosslinked into a network by UV irradiation. Compared to the parent polymer, the crosslinked networks are more pliable and exhibit elastomeric properties with an ultimate tensile strain of 600%. By varying the ketone content in the polymer,the mechanical properties of the polymer network can be tuned. This novel polyester elastomer is an attractive and a promising material for soft tissue regeneration.

Synthesis and characterization of functional polyester elastomers

244th National Meeting (2012)

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