Institute of Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry, RWTH Aachen and DWI an der RWTH Aachen eV, Aachen, Germany.
Biotechnol Bioeng. 2011 Mar;108(3):694-703. doi: 10.1002/bit.22979. Epub 2010 Nov 17.
The potential of novel functional star-shaped poly(ε-caprolactone)s of controlled molecular weight and low molecular weight distribution bearing acrylate end groups as material for biomedical applications was demonstrated in this study. The polymers were functionalized via Michael-type addition of amino acid esters containing amino or thiol groups showing the potential for immobilization of biomolecules. Furthermore, scaffolds of different geometries were prepared by uniaxial freezing of polymer solutions followed by freeze drying. Different solvents and polymer concentrations were investigated, resulting in scaffolds with porosities between 76 and 96%. Mechanical properties of the scaffolds were investigated and the morphology was determined via scanning electron microscopy. Scaffolds with interconnected channels were prepared using benzene, 1,2-dichloroethane or dioxane as solvent. The tubular longitudinal pores in honeycomb arrangement extend throughout the full extent of the scaffolds (typical pore sizes: 20-100 µm).
本研究证明了具有可控分子量和低分子量分布的新型功能星形聚（ε-己内酯）的潜力，这些聚合物带有丙烯酸酯端基，可用作生物医学应用的材料。通过含有氨基或巯基的氨基酸酯的迈克尔加成反应对聚合物进行了功能化，显示出固定生物分子的潜力。此外，通过聚合物溶液的单轴冷冻随后冷冻干燥制备了不同几何形状的支架。研究了不同的溶剂和聚合物浓度，得到了孔隙率在 76%至 96%之间的支架。通过扫描电子显微镜确定了支架的机械性能和形态。使用苯、1,2-二氯乙烷或二氧六环作为溶剂制备了具有互连通孔的支架。呈蜂窝状排列的管状纵向孔贯穿支架的整个长度（典型孔径：20-100μm）。
