Poly[octanediol‐co‐(citric acid)‐co‐(sebacic acid)] elastomers: novel bio‐elastomers for tissue engineering

This review focuses on a new class of elastomers, namely poly[octanediol‐co‐(citric acid)‐co‐(sebacic acid)] (p(OCS)), synthesised from 1,8‐octanediol, citric acid and sebacic acid in a catalyst‐free polyesterification reaction. The review begins with a detailed description of the synthesis, characterisation and structure–property–performance relationship of some reported elastomers suitable for tissue engineering. The control of the physicochemical properties of the new p(OCS) by simple variation of initial monomer concentrations in polyesterification forms the pivotal part of the synthesis. As tissue engineering requires complex designs, thin films and porous three‐dimensional structures of p(OCS) were fabricated to demonstrate their ease of processing. The fundamental material properties of p(OCS) are discussed for p(OCS) pre‐polymers and final polymers. The elastomers exhibit versatility in mechanical properties, hydration and hydrolytic degradation, as determined by their chemical structure. Surface analysis of spin‐coated p(OCS) suggests that the surface morphology, chemistry and concentration of the surface functional groups can be controlled simply by varying the initial citric acid/sebacic acid concentration in polyesterification. These tunable molecular architectures and material properties are crucial in biological interactions. The in vitro biocompatibility testing of p(OCS) with MG63 osteoblast‐like cells suggests that p(OCS) is an excellent candidate for potential elastic biomaterials for tissue engineering applications without the need for any post‐synthesis modification. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry