Beside mechanical properties, the next generation biomaterial requires active interaction with cells, which calls for spatial and temporal control of functionality. Here we provide our unique approach with alkoxyphenacyl polyesters. The phenacyl group has shown various applications in photochemistry, for example they are used as photoinitiators and caged compounds to trigger the release of the cargo by photocleavage. The alkoxyphenacyl polyesters were designed with the chromophore as part of the polymer backbone. These polymers showed efficient chain scission upon irradiation at 300 nm UV light, which was proven by GPC, UV, and 1H NMR. One way to introduce functionality was to directly react the ketone group with hydroxylamine derivatives, which is demonstrated by conjugation of hydroxylamine functionalized RGD peptide. The other way is copolymerization with a protected-amine containing monomer, in which case the polymer can be further functionalized at the amine group, for example, by covalently tethering rhodamine B. Spatial control of the RGD or rhodamine B functionality was achieved by photodegradation of the surface of thin films of the above polymers through a mask. In conclusion, these polymers can be used to spatially control the attachment of proteins, ligands or cells.

Degradable polymers with defined surface patterns and functionality for next generation biomaterials based on photoresponsive alkoxyphenacyl polyesters

248th National Meeting (2014)

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