Synthesis,characterization and biocompatibility of novel biodegradable poly[((R)‐3‐hydroxybutyrate)‐block‐(D,L‐lactide)‐block‐(ε‐caprolactone)] triblock copolymers

BACKGROUND: Biodegradable block copolymers have attracted particular attention in both fundamental and applied research because of their unique chain architecture, biodegradability and biocompatibility. Hence, biodegradable poly((R )‐3 ‐hydroxybutyrate)‐block‐(D ,L ‐lactide)‐block‐(ε‐caprolactone)] (PHB‐PLA‐PCL) triblock copolymers were synthesized, characterized and evaluated for their biocompatibility. RESULTS: The results from nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, gel permeation chromatography and thermogravimetric analysis showed that the novel triblock copolymers were successfully synthesized. Differential scanning calorimetry and wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction showed that the crystallinity of PHB in the copolymers decreased compared with methyl‐PHB (LMPHB) oligomer precursor. Blood compatibility experiments showed that the blood coagulation time became longer accompanied by a reduced number of platelets adhering to films of the copolymers with decreasing PHB content in the triblocks. Murine osteoblast MC3T3‐E1 cells cultured on the triblock copolymer films spread and proliferated significantly better compared with their growth on homopolymers of PHB, PLA and PCL, respectively. CONCLUSION: For the first time, PHB‐PLA‐PCL triblock copolymers were synthesized using low molecular weight LMPHB oligomer as the macroinitiator through ring‐opening polymerization with D ,L ‐lactide and ε‐caprolactone. The triblock copolymers exhibited flexible properties with good biocompatibility; they could be developed into promising biomedical materials for in vivo applications. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry