Biodegradable Synthetic Polymers for Tissue Engineering ()
Abstract
This paper reviews biodegradable synthetic polymers focusing
on their potential in tissue engineering applications.
The major classes of polymers are briefly discussed
with regard to synthesis, properties and biodegradability,
and known degradation modes and products are indicated
based on studies reported in the literature. A vast majority
of biodegradable polymers studied belongs to the polyester
family, which includes polyglycolides and
polylactides. Some disadvantages of these polymers in tissue
engineering applications are their poor
biocompatibility, release of acidic degradation products,
poor processability and loss of mechanical properties very
early during degradation. Other degradable polymers such
as polyorthoesters, polyanhydrides, polyphosphazenes, and
polyurethanes are also discussed and their advantages and
disadvantages summarised. With advancements in tissue
engineering it has become necessary to develop polymers
that meet more demanding requirements. Recent work has
focused on developing injectable polymer compositions
based on poly (propylene fumarate) and poly (anhydrides)
to meet these requirements in orthopaedic tissue engineering.
Polyurethanes have received recent attention for development
of degradable polymers because of their great
potential in tailoring polymer structure to achieve mechanical
properties and biodegradability to suit a variety
of applications.
Share and Cite:
"Biodegradable Synthetic Polymers for Tissue Engineering," Materials Sciences and Applications, Vol. 1 No. 1, 2009, pp. 1-16.
Conflicts of Interest
The authors declare no conflicts of interest.