Long term degradation of poly(ɛ-caprolactone) films in biologically related fluids

Relationships between mechanical properties and drug release from electrospun fibers of PCL and PLGA blends

Electrospun nanofibers have the potential to achieve high drug loading and the ability to sustain drug release. Mechanical properties of the drug-incorporated fibers suggest the importance of drug-polymer interactions. In this study, we investigated the mechanical properties of electrospun polycaprolactone (PCL) and poly (D,L-lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) fibers at various blend ratios in the presence and absence of a small molecule hydrophilic drug, tenofovir (TFV). Young׳s modulus of the blend fibers showed dependence on PLGA content and the addition of the drug. At a PCL/PLGA (20/80) composition, Young׳s modulus and tensile strength were independent of drug loading up to 40wt% due to offsetting effects from drug-polymer interactions. In vitro drug release studies suggested that release of TFV significantly decreased fiber mechanical properties. In addition, mechanically stretched fibers displayed a faster release rate as compared to the non-stretched fibers. Finally, drug partition in the blend fibers was estimated using a mechanical model and then experimentally confirmed with a composite of individually stacked fiber meshes. This work provides scientific understanding on the dependence of drug release and drug loading on the mechanical properties of drug-eluting fibers.

Synchrotron-Based in Situ Characterization of the Scaffold Mass Loss from Erosion Degradation

The mass loss behavior of degradable tissue scaffolds is critical to their lifespan and other degradation-related properties including mechanical strength and mass transport characteristics. This paper presents a novel method based on synchrotron imaging to characterize the scaffold mass loss from erosion degradation in situ, or without the need of extracting scaffolds once implanted. Specifically, the surface-eroding degradation of scaffolds in a degrading medium was monitored in situ by synchrotron-based imaging; and the time-dependent geometry of scaffolds captured by images was then employed to estimate their mass loss with time, based on the mathematical model that was adopted from the literature of surface erosion with the experimentally-identified model parameters. Acceptable agreement between experimental results and model predictions was observed for scaffolds in a cylindrical shape, made from poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) and polycaprolactone (PCL). This study illustrates that geometry evaluation by synchrotron-based imaging is an effective means to in situ characterize the scaffold mass loss as well as possibly other degradation-related properties.

Bilayer oxidized regenerated cellulose/poly ε-caprolactone knitted fabric-reinforced composite for use as an artificial dural substitute

A novel bilayer knitted fabric-reinforced composite for potentially being used as a dural substitute was developed by solution infiltration of oxidized regenerated cellulose knitted fabric (ORC) with poly ε-caprolactone (PCL) solution at various concentrations ranging 10-40 g/100 mL. It was found that the density of all formulations did not differ significantly and was lower than that of the human dura. Microstructure of the samples typically comprised a bilayer structure having a nonporous PCL layer on one side and the ORC/PCL composite layer on another side. Tensile modulus and strength of the samples initially decreased with increasing PCL solution concentration for up to 20 g/100 mL and re-increased again with further increasing PCL solution concentration. Strain at break of all formulations were not significantly different. Watertight test revealed that all composites could prevent leakage at the pressure within the normal range of intracranial pressure. In vitro degradation study revealed that the weight loss percentage and change in tensile properties of all samples displayed biphasic profile comprising an initially rapid decrease and followed by a gradual decrease with incubation times afterward. Micro and macro porous channels were observed to be in situ generated in the composite layer by ORC dissolution and PCL resorption during degradation while nonporous layer remained relatively unchanged. The degradation rate was found to decrease with increasing PCL solution concentration. In vitro biocompatibility using alamar blue assay on selected samples showed that fibroblasts could attach and proliferate well at all incubation periods.

Bi-directional controlled release of ibuprofen and Mg(2+) from magnesium alloys coated by multifunctional composite

Two major problems for magnesium alloy implant are the high degradation rate and easy infection associated with implantation. Herein, a surface drug delivery system (Mg/Epoxy resin-ZnO/PCL-Ibuprofen) which can realize bi-directional controlled release of ibuprofen and Mg(2+) was designed via a dip coating process followed by spraying. The in vitro test demonstrated that the ibuprofen in drug-eluting compound material showed sustained release profiles for 22days, which can effectively solve the local cellular rejection and inflammation during the early stage of implantation. Besides, the drug carrier also exhibited improved corrosion resistance duel to the high combining strength between Epoxy resin-ZnO coating and magnesium alloy, so Mg(2+) can release slowly at first and then speeded up later. This approach may be suitable for coating other implant materials such as stainless steel, titanium alloy etc.

A multi-layered vascular scaffold with symmetrical structure by bi-directional gradient electrospinning

Multi-layered scaffolds are advantageous in vascular tissue engineering, in consideration of better combination of biomechanics, biocompatibility and biodegradability than the scaffolds with single structure. In this study, a bi-directional gradient electrospinning method was developed to fabricate poly(l-lactide-co-caprolactone) (P(LLA-CL)), collagen and chitosan based tubular scaffold with multi-layered symmetrical structure. The multi-layered composite scaffold showed improved mechanical property and biocompatibility, in comparison to the blended scaffold using the same proportion of raw materials. Endothelialization on the multi-layered scaffold was accelerated owing to the bioactive surface made of pure natural materials. hSMCs growth showed the similar results because of its better biocompatibility. Additionally, fibers morphology change, pH value balance and long term mechanical support results showed that the gradient structure effectively improved biodegradability.

In vitro degradation and cell attachment studies of a new electrospun polymeric tubular graft

Electrospinning technique was utilized to engineer a small-diameter (id = 4 mm) tubular graft. The tubular graft was made from biocompatible and biodegradable polymers polycaprolactone (PCL) and poliglecaprone with 3:1 (PCL:PGC) ratio. Enzymatic degradation effect on the mechanical properties and fiber morphology in the presence of lipase enzyme were observed. Significant changes in tensile strength (1.86-1.49 MPa) and strain (245-205 %) were noticed after 1 month in vitro degradation. The fiber breakage was clearly evident through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) after 4 weeks in vitro degradation. Then, the graft was coated with a collagenous protein matrix to impart bioactivity. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and aortic artery smooth muscle cells (AoSMCs) attachment on the coated graft were observed in static condition. Further, HUVECs were seeded on the lumen surface of the grafts and exposed to laminar shear stress for 12 h to understand the cell attachment. The coated graft was aged in PBS solution (pH 7.3) at 37 °C for 1 month to understand the coating stability. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) suggested the erosion of the protein matrix from the coated graft under in vitro condition.

Uranium-mediated ring-opening polymerization of ε-caprolactone: a comparative study

This study shows and compares the catalytic activity and the mechanism of the uranium complexes [(Im^DippN)₂U(NMeEt)₂] (3), [(C₅Me₅)₂U(NMe₂)₂] (4) and [(C₅Me₅)₂U(NCMePh)₂] (5) in the ring-opening polymerization of ε-caprolactone, among which the bis(imidazolin-2-iminato) uranium complex3displayed the highest catalytic activity.

Fibro-porous poliglecaprone/polycaprolactone conduits: synergistic effect of composition and in vitro degradation on mechanical properties

Blends of poliglecaprone (PGC) and polycaprolactone (PCL) of varying compositions were electrospun into tubular conduits and their mechanical, morphological, thermal and in vitro degradation properties were evaluated under simulated physiological conditions. Generally, mechanical strength, modulus and hydrophilic nature were enhanced by the addition of PGC to PCL. An in vitro degradation study in phosphate-buffered saline (pH 7.3) was carried out for up to 1 month to understand the hydrolytic degradation effect on the mechanical properties in both the longitudinal and circumferential directions. Pure PCL and 4:1 PCL/PGC blend scaffolds exhibited considerable elastic stiffening after a 1 month in vitro degradation. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic and DSC techniques were used to understand the degradation behavior and the changes in structure and crystallinity of the polymeric blends. A 3:1 PCL/PGC blend was concluded to be a judicious blend composition for tubular grafts based on overall results on the mechanical properties and performance after a 1 month in vitro degradation study.

Immortal ring-opening polymerization of ε-caprolactone by a neat magnesium catalyst system: an approach to obtain block and amphiphilic star polymers in situ

Building of various functional and topological microstructured PCLs via the immortal catalyst system of MgⁿBu₂/ROH and click reaction.

Biomimetic three-dimensional anisotropic geometries by uniaxial stretching of poly(ε-caprolactone) films: degradation and mesenchymal stem cell responses

Geometric cues have been used for a variety of cell regulation and tissue regenerative applications. While the function of geometric cues is being recognized, their stability and degradation behaviors are not well known. Here, we studied the influence of degradation on uniaxial-stretch-induced poly(ε-caprolactone) (UX-PCL) ridge/groove arrays and further cellular responses. Results from accelerated hydrolysis in vitro showed that UX-PCL ridge/groove arrays followed a surface-controlled erosion, with an overall geometry remained even at ∼45% film weight loss. Compared to unstretched PCL flat surfaces and/or ridge/groove arrays, UX-PCL ridge/groove arrays achieved an enhanced morphological stability against degradation. Over the degradation period, UX-PCL ridge/groove arrays exhibited an "S-shape" behavior of film weight loss, and retained more stable surface hydrophilicity and higher film mechanical properties than those of unstretched PCL surfaces. Human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) aligned better toward UX-PCL ridge/groove arrays when the geometries were remained intact, and became sensitive with gradually declined nucleus alignment and elongation to the geometric degradation of ridges. We speculate that uniaxial stretching confers UX-PCL ridge/groove arrays with enhanced stability against degradation in erosive environment. This study provides insights of how degradation influences geometric cues and further cell responses, and has implications for the design of biomaterials with stability-enhanced geometric cues for long-term tissue regeneration.

Additive manufacturing of star poly(ε-caprolactone) wet-spun scaffolds for bone tissue engineering applications

Three-dimensional fibrous scaffolds made of a three-arm star poly(ε-caprolactone) were developed by employing a novel computer-aided wet-spinning apparatus to precisely control the deposition pattern of an extruded polymeric solution as a filament into a coagulation bath. Star poly(ε-caprolactone)/hydroxyapatite composite scaffolds composed of fibres with a porous morphology both in the outer surface and in the cross section were successfully produced with a layer-by-layer approach achieving good reproducibility of the internal architecture and external shape. Changes in processing parameters were used to fabricate scaffolds with different architectural parameters in terms of average pore size in the xy-axes (from 190 to 297 µm) and in the z-axis (from 54 to 126 µm) and porosity (in the range of 20%–60%). Based on the mechanical characterization, processing variations and hydroxyapatite loading have an influence on scaffold compression properties. Cell cultures, using a murine pre-osteoblast cell line, had good cell responses in terms of proliferation and osteoblastic differentiation. Thus, this technique appears to be an effective method for producing customized polymeric scaffolds for bone tissue engineering applications.

In vitro biocompatibility and antimicrobial activity of poly(ε-caprolactone)/montmorillonite nanocomposites

A triblock copolymer based on poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) and 2-(N,N-diethylamino)ethyl methacrylate (DEAEMA)/2-(methyl-7-nitrobenzofurazan)amino ethyl acrylate (NBD-NAcri), was synthesized via atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). The corresponding chlorohydrated copolymer, named as PCL-b-DEAEMA, was prepared and anchored via cationic exchange on montmorillonite (MMT) surface. (PCL)/layered silicate nanocomposites were prepared through melt intercalation, and XRD and TEM analysis showed an exfoliated/intercalated morphology for organomodified clay. The surface characterization of the nanocomposites was undertaken by using contact angle and AFM. An increase in the contact angle was observed in the PCL/MMT(PCL-b-DEAEMA) nanocomposites with respect to PCL. The AFM analysis showed that the surface of the nanocomposites became rougher with respect to the PCL when MMTk10 or MMT(PCL-b-DEAEMA) was incorporated, and the value increased with the clay content. The antimicrobial activity of the nanocomposites against B. subtilis and P. putida was tested. It is remarkable that the biodegradation of PCL/MMT(PCL-b-DEAEMA) nanocomposites, monitored by the production of carbon dioxide and by chemiluminescence emission, was inhibited or retarded with respect to the PCL and PCL/1-MMTk10. It would indicate that nature of organomodifier in the clay play an important role in B. subtilis and P. putida adhesion processes. Biocompatibility studies demonstrate that both PCL and PCL/MMT materials allow the culture of murine L929 fibroblasts on its surface with high viability, very low apoptosis, and without plasma membrane damage, making these materials very adequate for tissue engineering.

Hot melt poly-ε-caprolactone/poloxamine implantable matrices for sustained delivery of ciprofloxacin

It has been suggested that prevention and treatment of osteomyelitis could be achieved through local drug delivery using implantable devices, which provide therapeutic levels at the infection site with minimum side-effects. Physical blends of polycaprolactone (PCL) and poloxamine (Tetronic®) were prepared by applying a solvent-free hot melting approach to obtain cytocompatible implants with a tunable bioerosion rate, ciprofloxacin release profile and osteoconductive features. Differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray analysis indicate that the hydrophilic poloxamine varieties T908, T1107, and T1307 are miscible with PCL, while the hydrophobic block copolymer T1301 is immiscible. Incorporation of the block copolymer at weight ratios ranging from 25 to 75 wt.% led to matrices with viscoelastic parameters in the range of those of fresh cortical bone. Once immersed in buffer the matrices underwent a similar weight loss in the first week to the content of poloxamine, followed by a slower erosion rate due to PCL. The initial rapid erosion and the increase in porosity partially explain the observed burst of ciprofloxacin release, which is more intense in the PCL:T1301 formulation due to drug/T1301 repulsion due to polarity. The matrices sustained ciprofloxacin release for several months (<50% released after 3 months) and showed in vitro efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus, eradicating the bacteria in less than 48 h. PCL:poloxamine was cytocompatible with osteoblasts and the matrices prepared with low proportions of T908 were also compatible with mesenchymal stem cell differentiation to osteoblasts. The influence of the nature and proportion of temperature-responsive poloxamine on the performance of PCL implantable systems was determined.

Active screen plasma surface modification of polycaprolactone to improve cell attachment

To tailor polycaprolactone (PCL) surface properties for biomedical applications, film samples of PCL were surface modified by the active screen plasma nitriding (ASPN) technique. The chemical composition and structure were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The wettability of the surface modified polymers was investigated by contact angle and surface energy methods. Biocompatibility of the prepared PCL samples was evaluated in vitro using MC3T3-E1 osteoblast-like cells. The degradability was assessed by determining the self-degradation rate (catalyzed by lipase). The results show that ASPN surface modification can effectively improve osteoblast cell adhesion and spreading on the surface of PCL. The main change in chemical composition is the exchange of some carboxyl groups on the surface for hydroxyl groups. The active-screen plasma nitriding technique has been found to be an effective and practical method to effectively improve osteoblast cell adhesion and spreading on the PCL surface. Such changes have been attributed to the increase in wettablity and generation of new hydroxyl groups by plasma treatment. After active-screen plasma treatment, the PCL film is still degradable, but the enzymatic degradation rate is slower compared with untreated PCL film.

Poly-є-caprolactone based formulations for drug delivery and tissue engineering: A review

Biodegradable polymer based novel drug delivery systems have provided many avenues to improve therapeutic efficacy and pharmacokinetic parameters of medicinal entities. Among synthetic biodegradable polymer, poly-є-caprolactone (PCL) is a polymer with very low glass transition temperature and melting point. Owing to its amicable nature and tailorable properties it has been trialed in almost all novel drug delivery systems and tissue engineering application in use/investigated so far. This review aims to provide an up to date of drugs incorporated in different PCL based formulations, their purpose and brief outcomes. Demonstrated PCL formulations with or without drugs, intended for drug delivery and/or tissue engineering application such as microsphere, nanoparticles, scaffolds, films, fibers, micelles etc. are categorized based on method of preparation.

Molecular mobility in biodegradable poly(ε-caprolactone)/poly(hydroxyethyl acrylate) networks

Poly(ε-caprolactone)/poly(hydroxyethyl acrylate) networks have been investigated by thermally stimulated depolarization currents (TSDC) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The introduction of hydrophilic units (HEA) in the system aiming at tailoring the hydrophilicity of the system results in a series of copolymer networks with microphase separation into hydrophobic/hydrophilic domains. Polycaprolactone (PCL) crystallization is prevented by the topological constraints HEA units imposed in such heterogeneous domains. Moreover, the mobility of the amorphous PCL chains is enhanced as revealed by the main relaxation process which becomes faster. The glass transition of PHEA-rich domains shifts to lower temperatures, as the total amount of PCL in the copolymer increases, due to the presence of PCL units within the same region. The behaviour of the copolymer networks swollen with different content of water has been investigated to analyze the interaction between water molecules and hydrophobic/hydrophilic domains and provide further insights into the molecular structure of the system.

Biodegradação de filmes de PP/PCL em solo e solo com chorume

Filmes de blenda de poli(ε-caprolactona) (PCL) e polipropileno (PP) foram obtidos por moldagem por compressão. O estudo da biodegradação de filmes de blendas de PP/PCL em solo e solo com chorume foi obtido pela evolução de CO2, perda de massa, ângulo de contato, microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV) e calorimetria exploratória diferencial (DSC). As análises de evolução de CO2 mostraram que a biodegradação da blenda de PP/PCL em solo com chorume foi maior que a dos homopolímeros, sugerindo que os polímeros na blenda são mais suscetíveis à degradação, o que se deve à não interação entre PP e PCL. Os resultados também mostraram que os microrganismos do solo com chorume provocaram uma erosão superficial. Verificou-se que a biodegradação do PCL é inibida pelos microrganismos do chorume adicionados no solo.

Storage Stability Study of Salicylate-based Poly(anhydride-esters)

Storage stability was evaluated on a biodegradable salicylate-based poly(anhydride-ester) to elucidate the effects of storage conditions over time. The hydrolytically labile polymer samples were stored in powdered form at five relevant storage temperatures (-12 °C, 4 °C, 27 °C, 37 °C, 50 °C) and monitored over four weeks for changes in color, glass transition temperature, molecular weight, and extent of hydrolysis. Samples stored at lower temperatures remained relatively constant with respect to bond hydrolysis and molecular weight. Whereas, samples stored at higher temperatures displayed significant hydrolysis. For hydrolytically degradable polymers, such as these poly(anhydride-esters), samples are best stored at low temperatures under an inert atmosphere.

Synthesis of polycaprolactone: a review

Polycaprolactone (PCL) is an important polymer due to its mechanical properties, miscibility with a large range of other polymers and biodegradability. Two main pathways to produce polycaprolactone have been described in the literature: the polycondensation of a hydroxycarboxylic acid: 6-hydroxyhexanoic acid, and the ring-opening polymerisation (ROP) of a lactone: epsilon-caprolactone (epsilon-CL). This critical review summarises the different conditions which have been described to synthesise PCL, and gives a broad overview of the different catalytic systems that were used (enzymatic, organic and metal catalyst systems). A surprising variety of catalytic systems have been studied, touching on virtually every section of the periodic table. A detailed list of reaction conditions and catalysts/initiators is given and reaction mechanisms are presented where known. Emphasis is put on the ROP pathway due to its prevalence in the literature and the superior polymer that is obtained. In addition, ineffective systems that have been tried to catalyse the production of PCL are included in the electronic supplementary information for completeness (141 references).

Effect of sterilisation by gamma irradiation on the ability of polycaprolactone (PCL) to act as a scaffold material

This paper investigates the effect of sterilisation by gamma irradiation (dose 2.5Mrad) on the following properties of polycaprolactone (PCL): (1) degradation rate (catalysed by lipase), (2) mechanical properties, (3) the ability of cells to attach and subsequently grow on its surface. Gel permeation chromatography (GPC) was used to determine the effects of gamma irradiation of weight average (M(w)) and number average (M(n)) molecular weights. Gamma irradiation significantly decreased the rate of degradation, although the rates depended on the initial mass of polymer; it also affected the appearance of the degraded specimens when they were examined by scanning electron microscopy. Irradiation also significantly increased the mechanical yield stress but not the failure stress of PCL. It caused a significant increase in M(w) and decrease in M(n) that could be attributed to chain scission and cross-linking. Chondrocyte attachment and growth on PCL was not significantly affected by gamma irradiation.