Jianyuan Hao

Investigation of nanocomposites based on semi-interpenetrating network of [l-poly (ε-caprolactone)]/[net-poly (ε-caprolactone)] and hydroxyapatite nanocrystals ☆

In this paper the semi-interpenetrating network (semi-IPN) technique was used for the first time to prepare bone implant composites containing hydroxyapatite (HAP) nanocrystals. The prepared nanocomposites are expected to combine several property advantages including good mechanical strength, modified degradation rate and excellent osteoconductivity. The semi-IPN matrix based on the linear poly (epsilon-caprolactone) (L-PCL) and the network poly (epsilon-caprolactone) (net-PCL) structures are revealed to be phase separation structures. The morphology of net-PCL is featured by intracrosslinked microdomains (1-10 microm) that further interconnect with each other to form the network over the whole sample. The net-PCL component is totally amorphous at room temperature for the nanocomposites containing HAP up to 12.3 wt%. Further, the crystallinity of L-PCL is greatly decreased due to the presence of net-PCL as compared with that for pure L-PCL. The incorporation of L-PCL into the net-PCL network could significantly improve the mechanical properties of pure net-PCL. A great improvement in mechanical properties is observed for the nanocomposites if the HAP content is increased to 15.8 wt%. This transition is in agreement with that the net-PCL component changes from amorphous state to crystalline state at this composition.

Biodegradable Thermogelling Hydrogel of P(CL-GL)-PEG-P(CL-GL) Triblock Copolymer: Degradation and Drug Release Behavior

Degradation and drug release behavior of thermogelling hydrogel of poly(epsilon-caprolactone-co-glycolide)-poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(epsilon-caprolactone-co-glycolide) [P(CL-GL)-PEG-P(CL-GL) (1880-1540-1880)] triblock copolymer were investigated. The copolymer aqueous solution (25 wt%) underwent sol-gel transition at 35 degrees C as the temperature increased and formed a stable gel at body temperature. After incubation in PBS buffer solution (0.1 M) at 37 degrees C, the gel degraded completely into a viscous liquid at 14th week. Chemical microstructural analysis of the degraded samples by (1)H-NMR revealed the degradation occurring mainly on the glycolyl sequences of the copolymer. The pH value of the gel buffer solution maintained neutral during the initial 8 weeks, which may be beneficial for the preservation of activity of pH-sensitive drugs. Incorporation of drugs into the gel was formulated at room temperature without the use of any organic solvent. The gel formed a controlled release depot with delivery times of 12, 32, and 25 days for isoniazid, rifampicin and bovine serum albumin, respectively. Controlled release of hydrophobic rifampicin was achieved with insignificant burst effect due to the distribution of the drug mainly in the hydrophobic polyester regions of the gel.