Synthesis, characterization and cytocompatibility of a poly(diol-tricarballylate) visible light photo-cross-linked biodegradable elastomer.

The synthesis, characterization and in vitro cytocompatibility of a new family of photo-cross-linked amorphous poly(diol-tricarballylate) (PDT) biodegradable elastomeric polyesters are reported. The synthesis was based on the polycondensation reaction between tricarballylic acid and alkylene diols, followed by acrylation. The prepared and acrylated poly(diol-tricarballylate) (APDT) was characterized by means of FT-IR, (1)H-NMR, GPC and DSC. Liquid-to-solid photo-curing was carried out by exposing the APDT to visible light in the presence of camphorquinone as a photoinitiator. The thermal properties, mechanical characteristics, sol content, long-term in vitro degradation and cytocompatibility of the prepared PDT elastomers were also reported. The mechanical and degradation properties of this new photocurable elastomer can be precisely controlled by varying the density of acrylate moieties in the matrix of the polymer, and through changes in the pre-polymer chain length. The use of visible light cross-linking, possibility of solventless drug loading, controllable mechanical properties and cytocompatibility of these new elastomers make them excellent candidates for use in controlled implantable drug-delivery systems of protein drugs and other biomedical applications.