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

本研究项目的主要目标是合成和表征一类新的可生物降解的含磷聚合物。将对这些聚合物的生物、化学和机械性能进行评估，以确定其在骨科植入物中的应用潜力。合成技术涉及到二醇的缩聚，二醇是骨架的主要成分，磷酸化合物含有一个垂坠分子。两者被溶解并混合在一起。分离成有机层后，聚合物在石油醚中洗涤和测序。最终产品是一种透明的白色粉末。通过进一步改变交联的组分和程度，可以预期更广泛种类的聚合物。聚合物将以几种方式进行化学表征。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。将考虑一个全面的模型来解释测试结果所建议的关系。诸如聚合物颗粒释放到生理环境的机制，某些生物制剂对降解过程的影响，聚合物诱导重要组织生长的能力，以及植入物的降解和最终性能等因素将被研究。广泛的医学骨科应用是可能的：刚性较低的固定板，固定棒的关节稳定性，诱导再生的表面材料，以及假韧带和肌腱。

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.