Hydrophilic/hydrophobic polymer networks based on poly(caprolactone fumarate), poly(ethylene glycol fumarate), and copolymers thereof
Improved methods for preparing polyethylene glycol fumarate) are disclosed. Methods for chemically crosslinking or photocross-linking hydrophilic polyethylene glycol fumarate) with hydrophobic polymers such as poly(propylene fumarate) (PPF) and poly(caprolactone fumarate) (PCLF) to form various hydrogels (FIG. 1 ) with controllable hydrophilicity are also disclosed. The hydrogels are useful in the fabrication of injectable and in-situ hardening scaffolds for application in skeletal reconstruction. An injectable material including the hydrogels may be useful in controlled drug release.
1. A crosslinkable, biodegradable material comprising:
a copolymer comprising:
poly(ethylene glycol fumarate) and
poly(caprolactone fumarate), wherein at least one of the poly(ethylene glycol fumarate) or the copolymer is prepared in the presence of potassium carbonate; and
a free radical initiator or photoinitiator;
wherein the swelling ratio of the material in water or organic solvents is controllable, and the swelling ratio of the material in water is at least about 100% after about 10 minutes of immersion in water.
2. The material of claim 1 wherein:
the material is self-crosslinkable.
3. The material of claim 1 wherein:
wherein the material is an injectable bone substitute.
4. The material of claim 1 further comprising:
a porogen.
5. The material of claim 1 further comprising:
an accelerator.
6. The material of claim 1 wherein:
the material does not include a crosslinking agent.
7. The material of claim 1 further comprising:
particulate or fiber reinforcement materials.
8. The material of claim 1 further comprising:
a bioactive agent.