Biodegradable Polymers for Orthopaedic Applications - Creativity Award for Undergraduate Engineering Students

该研究项目的主要目标是 合成和表征了一类新型生物可降解， 含磷聚合物。生物的，化学的， 将评价这些聚合物的机械性能， 确定其在骨科植入物应用中的潜力。 合成技术包括二醇的缩聚， 骨架的主要成分，和磷酸化合物， 含有一个侧链分子 两者溶解交融 一起 在分离成有机层后，聚合物被 洗涤并在石油醚中淬火。 最终产品为 澄清的白色粉末。 可以使用多种聚合物， 预计通过进一步改变组件和程度的 交联。聚合物将在化学上表征， 几种方式。傅里叶变换红外光谱，凝胶 渗透色谱和差示扫描量热法 是将使用的表征技术。全面 模型将被认为是解释关系建议的 测试结果。聚合物的作用机理等因素 粒子释放到生理环境中， 某些生物制剂的降解过程中， 的聚合物，以诱导显着的组织生长，和 植入物的降解和最终性能将 研究了 %%% 广泛的医疗骨科应用是可能的： 固定板刚性较低，固定棒的关节稳定性， 用于诱导再生的表面重塑材料和假体 韧带和肌腱。

The primary objectives of this research project are the synthesis and characterization of of a new class of biodegradable, phosphorous-containing polymers. The biological, chemical, and mechanical properties of these polymers will be evaluated to determine their potential for orthopedic implant applications. The synthesis technique involves the polycondensation of a diol, the main component of the backbone, and a phosphate compound which contains a pendant molecule. The two are dissolved and blended together. After separation into an organic layer, the polymer is washed and quenced in a petroleum ether. The final product is a clear, white powder. A wider variety of polymers can be anticipated by further changing the components and degrees of cross-linking. The polymers will be characterized chemically in several ways. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, gel permeation chromatography and differential scanning calorimetry are characterization techniques that will be used. A comprehensive model will be considered to explain relationships suggested by the results of testing. Such factors as the mechanism of polymer particles release to the physiological environment, the effects of certain biological agents on the degradation process, the ability of the polymer to induce significant tissue in growth, and the degradation and eventual performance of the implant will be investigated. %%% A wide range of medical orthopedic applications is possible: less rigid fixation plates, joint stability with fixation rods, resurfacing materials to induce regeneration, and prosthetic ligaments and tendons.