SGER: Development of Photocurable Degradable Polymers for Orthopedic Applications

拟议研究的目的是开发一类新的可降解聚合物，这种聚合物可光聚合，并表现出肌肉骨骼应用所需的所需机械性能（特别是当样品降解时）。这项工作对于开发新的策略来恢复因外伤性损伤而骨折的骨的结构和机械功能，或因疾病或肿瘤形成而手术切除的骨具有重要意义。在肌肉骨骼应用中，对安全、可降解和坚固的聚合物材料有很大的需求。光聚合体系的发展可能有许多有利的原因，包括室温下的快速固化速度，聚合的空间控制，以及在植入过程中完全易于成型和柔韧性。这些好处导致了先进的牙科，眼科和粘连预防，但目前没有骨科系统已被设计。光引发技术可以大大简化骨科聚合物植入物的临床应用。例如，在引脚应用中，可以将粘性液体单体引入引脚孔中，然后系统在原位光聚合，从而获得所需尺寸的硬化聚合物。原位聚合消除了用刀片、抛光器和加热仪器对植入物进行整形的需要。此外，该过程为复制复杂形状提供了更快更好的机制，并应改善聚合物植入物与骨骼的附着力。骨折是这个国家主要的健康问题。最近对美国肌肉骨骼疾病的研究估计，每年有超过200万例骨折，其中超过28万例是髋部骨折。安全、坚固、易成型和可降解聚合物的发展将使许多肌肉骨骼应用受益。＊＊＊

9619331 Anseth The object of the proposed research is to develop a new class of degradable polymers that is photopolymerizable and exhibits the desired mechanical properties (particularly as the sample degrades) necessary for musculoskeletal applications. This work is important in developing new strategies to restore structural and mechanical function to bone that has been fractured by traumatic injury, or surgically removed because of disease or tumor formation. There is a great need for polymeric materials that are safe, degradable and strong for use in musculoskeletal applications. Development of a photopolymerizable system may be beneficial for many reasons including fast curing rates at room temperature, spatial control of the polymerization, and complete ease of fashioning and flexibility during implantation. These benefits have led to advanced in dentistry, opthamology, and adhesion prevention, but currently no orthopedic systems have been designed. Photoinitiation could greatly simplify the clinical application of orthopedic polymer implants. For example, in pin applications a viscous, liquid monomer could be introduced into a pin hole and the system photopolymerized in situ to render a hardened polymer of the required dimensions. In situ polymerization eliminates the need for shaping the implant with blades, buffs, and warming instruments. Additionally, the process provided a faster and better mechanism for replicating complex shapes and should improve adhesion of the polymer implant to the bone. Bone fractures are a major health concern in this country. Recent studies of musculoskeletal conditions in the United States estimate over 2 million fractures annually which more than 280,000 are hip fractures. Numerous musculoskeletal applications would benefit from the development of safe, strong, easily fashioned, and degradable polymers. ***