Design of segmented poly(ether ester) materials and structures for the tissue engineering of bone

J Control Release. 2002 Jan 17;78(1-3):175-86. doi: 10.1016/s0168-3659(01)00497-7.

Abstract

In this study, PEOT/PBT segmented copolymers of different compositions have been evaluated as possible scaffold materials for the tissue engineering of bone. By changing the composition of PEOT/PBT copolymers, very different mechanical and swelling behaviors are observed. Tensile strengths vary from 8 to 23 MPa and elongations at break from 500 to 1300%. Water-uptake ranges from 4 up to as high as 210%. The in vitro degradation of PEOT/PBT copolymers occurs both by hydrolysis and oxidation. In both cases degradation is more rapid for copolymers with high PEO content. PEOT/PBT scaffolds with varying porosities and pore sizes have been prepared by molding and freeze-drying techniques in combination with particulate-leaching. The most hydrophilic PEOT/PBT copolymers did not sustain goat bone marrow cell adhesion and growth. However, surface modification by gas plasma treatment showed a very much improved polymer-cell interaction for all PEOT/PBT copolymer compositions. Their mechanical properties, degradability and ability to sustain bone marrow cell growth make PEOT/PBT copolymers excellent materials for bone tissue engineering.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bone and Bones / cytology*
  • Cell Adhesion
  • Cell Division
  • Drug Design
  • Goats
  • Tensile Strength
  • Tissue Engineering*