In-Vivo Degradation of a Poly(Propylene-Fumarate) Biodegradable, Particulate Composite Bone Cement

Two new approaches based on dynamic carboxyl–hydroxyl or hydroxyl–carboxyl transformation for high molecular weight poly(butylene maleate)

Synthesis of high molecular weight maleic acid-based polyesters via a green approach is of great significance but also a huge challenge.

Poly(propylene fumarate)-based materials: Synthesis, functionalization, properties, device fabrication and biomedical applications

Poly(propylene fumarate) (PPF) is a biodegradable polymer that has been investigated extensively over the last three decades. It has led many scientists to synthesize and fabricate a variety of PPF-based materials for biomedical applications due to its controllable mechanical properties, tunable degradation and biocompatibility. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the progress made in improving PPF synthesis, resin formulation, crosslinking, device fabrication and post polymerization modification. Further, we highlight the influence of these parameters on biodegradation, biocompatibility, and their use in a number of regenerative medicine applications, especially bone tissue engineering. In particular, the use of 3D printing techniques for the fabrication of PPF-based scaffolds is extensively reviewed. The recent invention of a ring-opening polymerization method affords precise control of PPF molecular mass, molecular mass distribution (Ɖ_M) and viscosity. Low Ɖ_M facilitates time-certain resorption of 3D printed structures. Novel post-polymerization and post-printing functionalization methods have accelerated the expansion of biomedical applications that utilize PPF-based materials. Finally, we shed light on evolving uses of PPF-based materials for orthopedics/bone tissue engineering and other biomedical applications, including its use as a hydrogel for bioprinting.

Tissue Engineering Bionanocomposites Based on Poly(propylene fumarate)

Poly(propylene fumarate) (PPF) is a linear and unsaturated copolyester based on fumaric acid that has been widely investigated for tissue engineering applications in recent years due to its tailorable mechanical performance, adjustable biodegradability and exceptional biocompatibility. In order to improve its mechanical properties and spread its range of practical applications, novel approaches need to be developed such as the incorporation of fillers or polymer blending. Thus, PPF-based bionanocomposites reinforced with different amounts of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT), multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT), graphene oxide nanoribbons (GONR), graphite oxide nanoplatelets (GONP), polyethylene glycol-functionalized graphene oxide (PEG-GO), polyethylene glycol-grafted boron nitride nanotubes (PEG-g-BNNTs) and hydroxyapatite (HA) nanoparticles were synthesized via sonication and thermal curing, and their morphology, biodegradability, cytotoxicity, thermal, rheological, mechanical and antibacterial properties were investigated. An increase in the level of hydrophilicity, biodegradation rate, stiffness and strength was found upon increasing nanofiller loading. The nanocomposites retained enough rigidity and strength under physiological conditions to provide effective support for bone tissue formation, showed antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, and did not induce toxicity on human dermal fibroblasts. These novel biomaterials demonstrate great potential to be used for bone tissue engineering applications.

Poly(propylene fumarate)/(calcium sulphate/beta-tricalcium phosphate) composites: preparation, characterization and in vitro degradation

This study aimed to prepare a poly(propylene fumarate)/(calcium sulphate/beta-tricalcium phosphate) (PPF/(CaSO(4)/beta-TCP)) composite. We first examined the effects of varying the molecular weight of PPF and the N-vinyl pyrrolidinone (NVP) to PPF ratio on the maximum cross-linking temperature and the composite compressive strength and modulus. Then the in vitro biodegradation behaviour of PPF/(CaSO(4)/beta-TCP) composites was investigated. The effects of varying the molecular weight of PPF, the NVP/PPF ratio and the CaSO(4)/beta-TCP molar ratio on the weight loss and the composite compressive strength and modulus were examined. The cross-linking temperature, which increased with increasing molecular weight of PPF and NVP/PPF ratio, ranged from 41 to 43 degrees C for all formulations. The mechanical properties were increased by a decrease in the NVP/PPF ratio. For all formulations, the compressive strength values fell between 12 and 62 MPa, while the compressive modulus values fell between 290 and 1149 MPa. The weight loss decreased either with increasing molecular weight of PPF or with decreasing NVP/PPF ratio and CaSO(4)/beta-TCP molar ratio during degradation. The compressive strength and modulus increased with decreasing NVP/PPF ratio or decreasing CaSO(4)/beta-TCP ratio. The greatest weight loss over 6 weeks was 14.72%. For all formulations, the compressive modulus values fell between 57 and 712 MPa and the compressive strength fell between 0.5 and 21 MPa throughout 6 weeks degradation. Scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis of the PPF/(CaSO(4)/beta-TCP) composites demonstrated that hydroxyapatite was deposited on the surface of CaSO(4)/beta-TCP granules during degradation.

Injectable biodegradable materials for orthopedic tissue engineering

The large number of orthopedic procedures performed each year, including many performed arthroscopically, have led to great interest in injectable biodegradable materials for regeneration of bone and cartilage. A variety of materials have been developed for these applications, including ceramics, naturally derived substances and synthetic polymers. These materials demonstrate overall biocompatibility and appropriate mechanical properties, as well as promote tissue formation, thus providing an important step towards minimally invasive orthopedic procedures. This review provides a comparison of these materials based on mechanical properties, biocompatibility and regeneration efficacy. Advantages and disadvantages of each material are explained and design criteria for injectable biodegradable systems are provided.

Synthesis of poly(propylene fumarate) by acylation of propylene glycol in the presence of a proton scavenger

To synthesize high molecular weight poly(propylene fumarate) (PPF), fumaryl chloride and propylene glycol were reacted in the presence of potassium carbonate, which serves as a proton scavenger. Transesterification of the resulting low molecular weight oligomer led to a polymer with greater molecular weight than those from previous reaction methods without requiring the use of a catalyst. According to two-dimensional NMR, the backbone structure of this polymer was as expected and contained no byproducts formed by acid catalyzed addition across the fumarate double bond. Kinetic studies of the transesterification showed that the molecular weight reached a final Mn of 4900 (+/-700) and Mw of 9100 (+/-1300) after 16 h, while the polydispersity index remained below 1.8 throughout the reaction. Thus the PPF synthesized by the new method is of higher molecular weight and greater purity than our previously prepared material.

Characterization of partially saturated poly(propylene fumarate) for orthopaedic application

A partially saturated linear polyester based on poly(propylene fumarate) (PPF) was synthesized for potential application in filling skeletal defects. The synthesis was carried out according to a two-step reaction scheme. Propylene glycol and fumaryl chloride were first combined to form an intermediate fumaric diester. The intermediate was then subjected to a transesterification to form the PPF-based polymer. This method allowed for production of a polymer with a number average molecular weight up to 1500 and a polydispersity index of 2.8 and below. The polymeric backbone structure was investigated through the use of FTIR and NMR. Kinetic studies of the transesterification allowed mapping of the molecular weight increase with reaction time. The final product was also characterized by thermal and solubility analysis.