The Effect of Polyethylene (Glycol) Diacrylate Post-Fabrication Rest Time on Compressive Properties

Abstract

In recent years, tissue engineering has been utilized as an alternative approach for the organ transplantation. The success rate of tissue regeneration is influenced by the type of biomaterials, cell sources, growth factors and scaffold fabrication techniques used. The poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) is one of commonly used biomaterials because of its biocompatibility, ease of use, and porous microstructure. The mechanical properties of PEGDA have been studied to some extent by several research groups. However, the stability of the mechanical properties with time has not been investigated. In this research, we studied how the mechanical properties of different concentrations of PEGDA change with the post-fabrication ageing time. Cylindrical PEGDA samples were prepared 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100% concentrations and cured under the UV light. After the solidification process, weight of each sample was monitored in every 0, 2, 4, 6, and 24 hours post-fabrication ageing time until the mechanical testing. Compressive elastic modulus and strength were calculated and statistically analyzed. Our results indicated that the water content of each PEGDA group constantly decreased by time, however, this loss significantly affected the elastic modulus and strength only after 6 hours in some PEGDA concentration.