3D Printable PCL-b-P(MMA-co-TMSPMA)/silica hybrids using a PCL RAFT agent
File(s)
Published version
Author(s)
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Inorganic/organic hybrid biomaterials have the potential to combine the benefits of bioactive glasses, such as bone bonding and osteogenesis, with the ability to withstand cyclic loading. Here, we report on silica/poly(ε-caprolactone-methacrylate) hybrids, using hydroxy monofunctional-PCL as a reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) agent, for controlled polymerization of PCL-b-P(methyl methacrylate-co-3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl methacrylate), PCL-b-P(MMA-co-TMSPMA), block copolymers by a combination of ring opening polymerization (ROP) and RAFT polymerization techniques. The new polymer was used for the preparation of hybrids via the sol–gel method, with TMSPMA providing covalent bonds between the silica and PCL-b-P(MMA-co-TMSPMA). The effect of the ratio of CL/silane containing units on the mechanical properties of the hybrids was investigated. The compositions that yielded optimal mechanical properties in bulk form (yield stress 39.3 MPa to 52.9 MPa at a strain of 4–6%) were developed into “inks” for 3D printing porous biodegradable scaffolds for biomedical applications by direct writing. Degradation tests of scaffolds in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) over the course of 180 days showed ∼30% degradation of PCL. The mechanical properties of scaffolds with pore channels of 234–380 μm reduced yield strength to 5.2–7.4 MPa, but yield strain remained at ∼4%. In vitro studies indicated biocompatibility, in terms of exposure of human bone marrow stem cells (hBMCs) to the dissolution products of the scaffolds.
Date Issued
2025-09-28
Date Acceptance
2025-08-09
Citation
Journal of Materials Chemistry B, 2025, 13 (36), pp.11439-11453
ISSN
2050-750X
Publisher
Royal Society of Chemistry
Start Page
11439
End Page
11453
Journal / Book Title
Journal of Materials Chemistry B
Volume
13
Issue
36
Copyright Statement
This journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry 2025. This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported Licence.
License URL
Identifier
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/40859731
Subjects
Science & Technology
Technology
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Materials Science
BONE
CYTOCOMPATIBILITY
POLYMERIZATION
COPOLYMERS
Publication Status
Published
Coverage Spatial
England
Date Publish Online
2025-08-27