Biodegradable macromers for implant bulk and surface engineering.

Jan Krieghoff,Michaela Schulz-Siegmund,Mathis Gronbach,Michael C Hacker

doi:10.1515/hsz-2021-0161

Jan Krieghoff, Michaela Schulz-Siegmund + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1515/hsz-2021-0161

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Abstract

Macromers, polymeric molecules with at least two functional groups for cross-polymerization, are interesting materials to tailor mechanical, biochemical and degradative bulk and surface properties of implants for tissue regeneration. In this review we focus on macromers with at least one biodegradable building block. Manifold design options, such as choice of polymeric block(s), optional core molecule and reactive groups, as well as cross-co-polymerization with suitable anchor or linker molecules, allow the adaptation of macromer-based biomaterials towards specific application requirements in both hard and soft tissue regeneration. Implants can be manufactured from macromers using additive manufacturing as well as molding and templating approaches. This review summarizes and discusses the overall concept of biodegradable macromers and recent approaches for macromer processing into implants as well as techniques for surface modification directed towards bone regeneration. These aspects are reviewed including a focus on the authors' contributions to the field through research within the collaborative research project Transregio 67.

Highlights

Tissue defects exceeding a critical size require surgical implantation of a graft to ensure regeneration and restoration of functionality (Dinçel 2018)
Implants can be manufactured from macromers using additive manufacturing as well as molding and templating approaches
Implants from polymers can be realized as solid monoliths, porous tissue engineering scaffolds or hydrogels, while metals, ceramics and glasses are typically used as macroporous scaffolds and as micro- and nanoparticles in polymer-based composites (Koons et al 2020)

Summary

Introduction

Tissue defects exceeding a critical size require surgical implantation of a graft to ensure regeneration and restoration of functionality (Dinçel 2018). Abstract: Macromers, polymeric molecules with at least two functional groups for cross-polymerization, are interesting materials to tailor mechanical, biochemical and degradative bulk and surface properties of implants for tissue regeneration.

Results

Conclusion