Synthesis, characterization and cytocompatibility of a degradable polymer using ferric catalyst for esophageal tissue engineering.

This study focused on the synthesis, characterization and cytocompatibility of a biodegradable polymer by the cross-linking from poly(ethylene glycol-co-lactide) dimethacrylate (PLEGDMA), polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA) and N-isopropylacrylamide, where PLEGDMA was synthesized by ring-opening oligomerization of poly(ethylene glycol) with different molecular weights (Mn = 400, 600, 1000, 2000 Da) and L-lactide using low toxic iron(III) acetylacetonate (Fe(acac)3) as the catalyst and subsequently being terminated with dimethacrylate. The product, PLEGDMA, was analyzed to confirm its chemistry using FTIR spectroscopy, (1)H NMR spectra and gel permeation chromatography etc. The thermodynamic properties, mechanical behaviors, surface hydrophilicity, degradability and cytotoxicity of the cross-linked product were evaluated by differential scanning calorimetry, tensile tests, contact angle measurements and cell cultures. The effects of reaction variables such as PEGDA content and reactants ratio were optimized to achieve a material with low glass transition temperature (Tg), high wettability and preferable mechanical characteristics. Using a tubular mould which has been patented in our group, a tubular scaffold with predetermined dimension and pattern was fabricated, which aims at guiding the growth and phenotype regulation of esophageal primary cells like fibroblast and smooth muscle cell towards fabricating tissue engineered esophagus in future.