Bi-layered constructs of poly(glycerol-sebacate)-β-tricalcium phosphate for bone-soft tissue interface applications

• Published in: Materials Science & Engineering C Vol. 72; pp. 316 - 324
• Main Authors: Tevlek, Atakan, Hosseinian, Pezhman, Ogutcu, Cansel, Turk, Mustafa, Aydin, Halil Murat
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier B.V 01.03.2017; Elsevier BV
• Subjects: Addition polymerization; Animals; Apoptosis - drug effects; Bi-layered; Biocompatibility; Biocompatible Materials - chemistry; Biocompatible Materials - pharmacology; Biological properties; Biomedical materials; Bone and Bones - metabolism; Bone morphogenetic protein 2; Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2 - metabolism; Calcium phosphates; Calcium Phosphates - chemistry; Cell adhesion; Cell culture; Cell Line; Cell Survival - drug effects; Ceramics; Compression; Compressive strength; Computed tomography; Construction; Crosslinking; Decanoates - chemistry; Distributing; Elastic Modulus; Elastomers; Electron microscopy; Elongation; Glycerol; Glycerol - analogs & derivatives; Glycerol - chemistry; Guided bone regeneration (GBR); Materials science; Mechanical properties; Mice; Microscopy, Confocal; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; Modulus of elasticity; Particle physics; Phases; Phosphates; Poly(glycerol-sebacate); Polymerization; Polymers - chemistry; Porosity; Scanning electron microscopy; Studies; TCP (protocol); Tensile Strength; Tissue Engineering; Tomography; Transforming Growth Factor beta1 - metabolism; Transforming growth factor-b1; Tricalcium phosphate; Vacuum; X-Ray Microtomography; β-tricalcium phosphate; Guided bone regeneration (GBR); β-tricalcium phosphate; Poly(glycerol-sebacate); Tissue engineering; Bi-layered
• ISSN: 0928-4931; 1873-0191
• DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2016.11.082

This study aims to establish a facile protocol for the preparation of a bi-layered poly(glycerol-sebacate) (PGS)/β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) construct and to investigate its potential for bone-soft tissue engineering applications. The layered structure was prepared by distributing the ceramic particles within a prepolymer synthesized in a microwave reactor followed by a cross-linking of the final construct in vacuum (<10mbar). The vacuum stage led to the separation of cross-linked elastomer (top) and ceramic (bottom) phases. Results showed that addition of β-TCP particles to the elastomer matrix after the polymerization led to an increase in compression strength (up to 14±2.3MPa). Tensile strength (σ), Young's modulus (E), and elongation at break (%) values were calculated as 0.29±0.03MPa and 0.21±0.03; 0.38±0.02 and 1.95±0.4; and 240±50% and 24±2% for PGS and PGS/β-TCP bi-layered constructs, respectively. Morphology was characterized by using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and micro-computed tomography (μ-CT). Tomography data revealed an open porosity of 35% for the construct, mostly contributed from the ceramic phase since the elastomer side has no pore. Homogeneous β-TCP distribution within the elastomeric structure was observed. Cell culture studies confirmed biocompatibility with poor elastomer-side and good bone-side cell attachment. In a further study to investigate the osteogenic properties, the construct were loaded with BMP-2 and/or TGF-β1. The PGS/β-TCP bi-layered constructs with improved mechanical and biological properties have the potential to be used in bone-soft tissue interface applications where soft tissue penetration is a problem. •Biodegradable bi-layered constructs with elastomer and ceramic sides were prepared.•The constructs could be a promising material in guided bone regeneration.•Elastomer side of the construct acts as a barrier to prevent soft tissue ingrowth.•Ceramic phase of the construct provides bone regeneration.•The elastomeric nature of the construct encourages handling properties.