(450c) Poly(butylene fumerate) and Poly(butylene fumerate)-Co-(butylene maleate) as Biodegradable Materials for Bone Tissue Engineering

Poly(propylene fumerate) (PPF) has been used widely in the field of bone tissue engineering. Crosslinked networks of PPF have been shown to be osteoconductive and have mechanical properties similar to bone. One current limitation in the application of PPF is the slow rate of degradation. Described herein is the synthesis of new fumerates co-polymers, poly(butylene fumerate) (PBF) and poly(butylene fumerate)-co-(butylene maleate) (PBFcBM). Results show that the crosslinked polymers have initial mechanical properties similar to PPF. In addition, the rate of degradation of the copolymer PBFcBM via ester hydrolysis is increased relative to PBF as well as PPF. Polymer synthesis, biocompatibility, scaffold formation through electrospinning, and mechanical properties of crosslinked networks will be discussed.