Issue 29, 2023

Exploiting the network architecture of thiol–ene photo-crosslinked poly(ε-caprolactone) towards tailorable materials for light-based 3D-printing

Abstract

Over the past decade, biodegradable polyesters have played a key role in the field of biomedical engineering. While several of these polymers have been extensively studied and applied in various medical applications, there remains a great need for the development of biodegradable polymers that can be tailored towards specific applications. This study aims to investigate the polymer network architecture of thiol–ene photo-crosslinked poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL) as a tool to fine-tune a range of physical characteristics, including mechanical, thermal and photokinetic properties as well as hydrolytic degradation profiles. Additionally, the study explores the potential of thiol–ene photo-crosslinkable PCL (E-PCL) precursors to be exploited in digital light processing (DLP). The network topology was modified by adjusting the functionality of E-PCL precursors, as well as the functionality of thiolated crosslinkers. The results show that by altering the network architecture, it is possible to fine-tune the physico-chemical properties of the obtained networks. Successful application in DLP has been illustrated as well, exploiting telechelic, tri- and tetra-functional E-PCL precursors combined with a thiolated crosslinker. In conclusion, the reported strategy holds great potential to serve various biomedical applications such as medical devices, drug delivery or tissue engineering.

Graphical abstract: Exploiting the network architecture of thiol–ene photo-crosslinked poly(ε-caprolactone) towards tailorable materials for light-based 3D-printing

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
10 4 2023
Accepted
29 6 2023
First published
05 7 2023

Polym. Chem., 2023,14, 3392-3403

Exploiting the network architecture of thiol–ene photo-crosslinked poly(ε-caprolactone) towards tailorable materials for light-based 3D-printing

A. Quaak, Q. Thijssen and S. Van Vlierberghe, Polym. Chem., 2023, 14, 3392 DOI: 10.1039/D3PY00381G

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