Microcellular open porous monoliths for cell growth by thiol-ene polymerization of low-toxicity monomers in high internal phase emulsions.

Open porous microcellular polymers with high degrees of porosity are prepared from divinyl adipate and pentaerythritol tetrakis(3-mercaptopropionate) by thiol-ene polymerization within high internal phase emulsions. The influence of monomer ratio, droplet phase volume, and emulsion stirring rate on the morphology and mechanical properties of the products is studied. The newly produced material is successfully applied as a scaffold for osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells in vitro, showing increased rates of cell growth compared to material prepared by standard methods.