Synthesis and Characterization of Biodegradable Semi-Interpenetrating Polymer Networks Based on Star-Shaped Copolymers of ɛ-Caprolactone and Lactide.

In this paper, the focus is on a new kind of biodegradable semi-interpenetrating polymer networks, which is derived from ɛ-caprolactone, lactide, 1,4-butane diisocyanate and ethylenediamine and also its potential has been investigated in soft tissue engineering applications. The polymers were characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), differential thermal analysis (DTA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). These experiments show that the polymers with the right composition and the expected molecular weight were achieved. Also, the in-vitro degradation of polymer network was examined in phosphate buffer solutions (pH 7.4) at 37 °C. Moreover, cell viability and adhesion tests were carried out with fibroblast cells by the MTT assay, which confirmed biocompatibility. Polyurethane materials have superior mechanical properties, so these biodegradable and biocompatible films demonstrate potential for future application as cell scaffolds in soft tissue engineering applications.