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Cited by 1,314biodegradable polymer synthesis and propertiesHydrogels: synthesis, properties, applicationsPolymer Surface Interaction Studies

A tough biodegradable elastomer

Wang, Yadong, Ameer, Guillermo A., Sheppard, Barbara J., Langer, Robert·2002·Nature Biotechnology
DOI 10.1038/nbt0602-602
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Abstract

Biodegradable polymers have significant potential in biotechnology and bioengineering. However, for some applications, they are limited by their inferior mechanical properties and unsatisfactory compatibility with cells and tissues. A strong, biodegradable, and biocompatible elastomer could be useful for fields such as tissue engineering, drug delivery, and in vivo sensing. We designed, synthesized, and characterized a tough biodegradable elastomer from biocompatible monomers. This elastomer forms a covalently crosslinked, three-dimensional network of random coils with hydroxyl groups attached to its backbone. Both crosslinking and the hydrogen-bonding interactions between the hydroxyl groups likely contribute to the unique properties of the elastomer. In vitro and in vivo studies show that the polymer has good biocompatibility. Polymer implants under animal skin are absorbed completely within 60 days with restoration of the implantation sites to their normal architecture.

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Crossref · 10.1038/nbt0602-602

Cites

45 of 45 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

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  • Many medical devices are implanted in the dynamic mechanical environment of the human body and need to adapt to continuous relaxation and contraction without mechanically stimulating surrounding tissues.

    “Many medical devices are implanted in the dynamic mechanical environment of the human body. They need to adapt to states of continuous relaxation and contraction to maintain their own performance without mechanical stimulation of the surrounding tissues [14,15].”

    From Synthesis of Poly(l-lactide-co-ε-caprolactone) Copolymer: Structure, Toughness, and Elasticity (2021) · cites this paper as [14]

  • PCLA copolymers attained UTS levels above 30 MPa, whereas PGS exhibited a tensile strength slightly above 0.5 MPa.

    “For example, while PCLA copolymers attained UTS levels above 30 MPa, poly(glycerol sebacate) (PGS) exhibited a tensile strength slightly above 0.5 MPa [15].”

    From Designing biodegradable multiblock PCL/PLA thermoplastic elastomers (2005) · cites this paper as [15]

  • PGS has a Young's modulus of around 0.3 MPa, an ultimate tensile strength above 0.5 MPa, and elongation at break values slightly below 350%.

    “As reported [15], PGS has a Young's modulus of around 0.3 MPa, an ultimate tensile strength above 0.5 MPa and attains elongation at break values slightly below 350%.”

    From Designing biodegradable multiblock PCL/PLA thermoplastic elastomers (2005) · cites this paper as [15]

  • PGS is fully amorphous at body temperature, with no glass transition temperatures observed above -80 C.

    “Furthermore, as reported [15], PGS is fully amorphous at body temperature, with no glass transition temperatures being observed above 80 1 C.”

    From Designing biodegradable multiblock PCL/PLA thermoplastic elastomers (2005) · cites this paper as [15]

Cites

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Research works printed but not linked: 3

  1. Voet, D. & Voet, J.G. Biochemistry (John Wiley & Sons, New York, 1995).
  2. Stryer, L. Biochemistry (W.H. Freeman and Company, New York; 1995).
  3. Northup, S.J. & Cammack, J.N. Handbook of biomaterials evaluation (ed. von Recum, A.F.) 325–339 (Taylor & Francis, Philadelphia; 1999).

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Authors
Wang, Y., Ameer, G. A., Sheppard, B. J., & Langer, R.
Affiliations
  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology (US)
  • Northwestern University (US)
ORCID
Venue
Nature Biotechnology
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Published
2002-06
Volume
20
Issue
6
Pages
602-606
ISSN
  • 0733-222X (ISSN-L)
  • 1087-0156
  • 1546-1696
DOI
10.1038/nbt0602-602
OpenAlex
W1994054444
Cited by
1,314
References
45
Citations by year
2026: 27 · 2025: 56 · 2024: 59 · 2023: 60 · 2022: 65 · 2021: 78 · 2020: 77 · 2019: 76 · 2018: 73 · 2017: 65 · 2016: 66 · 2015: 66 · 2014: 79 · 2013: 66 · 2012: 67
FWCI
8.56
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Licence
www.springer.com/tdm (tdm)
Locations
  • Nature Biotechnology (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Funders
  • National Institutes of Health
  • National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (5-R01-HL60435, R01HL060435)
Topics
  • Physical Sciences › Materials Science › Biomaterials › biodegradable polymer synthesis and properties
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Molecular Medicine › Hydrogels: synthesis, properties, applications
  • Physical Sciences › Materials Science › Surfaces, Coatings and Films › Polymer Surface Interaction Studies
Keywords
biodegradable elastomers, tough polymers, biocompatibility, covalent cross-linking, hydrogen bonding, hydroxyl groups, tissue engineering, drug delivery, in vivo sensing, polymer implants, biodegradation
MeSH terms
Polylactic Acid-Polyglycolic Acid Copolymer, Animals, Biocompatible Materials, Decanoates, Decanoic Acids, Dicarboxylic Acids, Elasticity, Female, Glycerol, Materials Testing, Models, Molecular, Polyglycolic Acid, Polymers, Skin, Stress, Mechanical, Tensile Strength, 3T3 Cells, Lactic Acid, Absorbable Implants, Elastomers, Mice, Rats

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