Bioabsorbable flexible elastomer of PTMC‐b‐PEG‐b‐PTMC copolymer as intestinal anastomosis scaffold

Abstract

AbstractArtificial intestinal devices play an important role for intestinal anastomosis, while there is not a suitable candidate with the characteristics for this application. It is necessary to develop a biodegradable tissue‐compliant intestinal anastomosis device. Herein, the triblock copolymers of poly(trimethylene carbonate)‐b‐polyethylene glycol‐b‐poly(trimethylene carbonate) (PTMC‐b‐PEG‐b‐PTMC) were prepared with different degradation properties by adjustable the block proportions. These copolymers were electrospun to fabricate the intestinal anastomosis scaffolds. Considering the degradation, mechanical properties, and hydrophilicity of the triblock copolymers, the scaffolds with PEG content ranging from 10% to 20% were suitable for implantation evaluation. The flexible scaffolds with PEG content of 15% were selected to perform animal experiments. The results showed that the scaffolds loaded with triclosan could effectively promote the healing of intestinal wounds and reduce the probability of intestinal fistula, intestinal obstruction, and other complications. The scaffolds are a promising candidate for clinical intestinal implants.