Polyglycerol-based polymer network films for potential biomedical applications

Abstract

Synthetic polymeric materials are established as being central to many modern approaches to medical treatments such as biomaterial induced tissue regeneration or drug eluting implants. Cytocompatible, antifouling materials, based on hydrophilic polymers such as poly(ethylene glycol), have been widely studied as a ‘blank canvas’ substrate; it is possible to apply various bioactive ligands to elicit specific tissue and cell responses. In recent years, branched polyglycerols have gained attention as a viable alternative to PEG as a protein-resistance providing chemical moiety. To this end we have embarked on the preparation of bulk polyglycerol-based films, which are readily synthesized from abundant starting materials, with the aim of evaluating their as yet undiscovered potential as macroscopic biomaterials. Herein we report syntheses, as well as mechanical, and rheological properties of a series of polyglycerol-based polymer networks. Polymeric films produced are highly crosslinked, have high thermal stability, and are flexible with thermal glass transition temperatures below body temperature.