Bone regeneration could be advanced with porous scaffolds that approximate cancellous bone compressive properties and conform to nonuniform defects. Polymerized high internal phase emulsions (polyHIPEs) have been utilized to create injectable scaffolds, potentially improving tissue integration and regeneration. These emulsions remain stable beyond 6 months when stored at 4�C and then cure to rigid foams after injection into the body. However, thermally-initiated polyHIPE scaffolds required hours to cure, diminishing the potential for clinical translation. In this study, a novel method of fabricating redox-initiated polyHIPEs was demonstrated with four methacrylated macromers that dramatically shortens cure time upon injection without impacting storage of the emulsion. PolyHIPE cure time, compressive properties, and pore structure were investigated with respect to redox initiator chemistry and concentration. Increased concentrations of redox initiators reduced cure times from hours to minutes and increased compressive modulus and strength without compromising pore architecture. Additionally, cure time was tuned by altering the oxidant:reductant ratio, potentially increasing material cytocompatibility. In summary, we have improved upon current methods of generating injectable, high porosity scaffolds by attaining clinically appropriate cure times.

Method of fabricating rapidly curing polyHIPEs at low temperatures

247th National Meeting (2014)

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