Hydrophilic/hydrophobic polymer networks based on poly(caprolactone fumarate), poly(ethylene glycol fumarate), and copolymers thereof
AssigneeMayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
InventorsShanfeng Wang, Lichun Lu, Michael J. Yaszemski
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Abstract
Improved methods for preparing polyethylene glycol fumarate) are disclosed. Methods for chemically crosslinking or photocross-linking hydrophilic polyethylene glycol fumarate) with hydrophobic polymers such as poly(propylene fumarate) (PPF) and poly(caprolactone fumarate) (PCLF) to form various hydrogels (FIG. 1) with controllable hydrophilicity are also disclosed. The hydrogels are useful in the fabrication of injectable and in-situ hardening scaffolds for application in skeletal reconstruction. An injectable material including the hydrogels may be useful in controlled drug release.
Claims8
A crosslinkable, biodegradable material comprising:
- a copolymer comprising:
- poly(ethylene glycol fumarate) and
- poly(caprolactone fumarate), wherein at least one of the poly(ethylene glycol fumarate) or the copolymer is prepared in the presence of potassium carbonate;
- and
- a free radical initiator or photoinitiator;
- wherein the swelling ratio of the material in water or organic solvents is controllable, and the swelling ratio of the material in water is at least about 100% after about 10 minutes of immersion in water.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.