Development of Photocrosslinked Poly(glycerol dodecanedioate)—A Biodegradable Shape Memory Polymer for 3D‐Printed Tissue Engineering Applications

Abstract

Surgical procedures increasingly use minimally invasive techniques, which often use shape memory materials for device deployment. Poly(glycerol‐dodecanedioate) (PGD), a biodegradable shape memory thermosetting polymer with melt transition (Tm) ≥ 37 ± 1.1 °C, is well positioned for this application. However, the use of thermosetting crosslinks limits potential applications for PGD. Herein is described a UV‐curable polymer developed via acrylation of PGD (APGD), which removes the need for thermal curing while retaining its shape memory properties. Control of APGD thermal, mechanical, and chemical properties is shown across a range of acrylation percentage (Acr%) and two molecular weights (MW). In vitro APGD biocompatibility is demonstrated through cytotoxicity, cell proliferation, and attachment assays. APGD resin is used to 3D print biodegradable shape memory samples on an extrusion printer. Few biodegradable shape memory polymers (SMPs) are 3D printed, and they exhibit significant translational limitations due to a shape memory transition range well outside body temperature. In contrast, the photocurable APGD developed and 3D printed herein retains shape memory transition behavior at body temperature. APGD shows promise as a novel material for use in the development of patient‐specific devices for the structural repair of soft tissue via minimally invasive procedures.