Abstract
Macroporous polymer monoliths prepared from high internal phase emulsions (HIPEs) can be found in various biomedical applications. While typically water-in-oil HIPEs are applied for polyHIPE preparation, they are not suitable for hydrophilic polyHIPE preparation. Herein, direct oil-in-water emulsions based on water-soluble poly(ethylene glycol)diacrylate or poly(ethylene glycol)dimethacrylate were developed. Furthermore, the incorporation of a hydrophilic water-miscible thiol, ethoxylated trimethylolpropane tris(3-mercaptopropionate) (ETTMP) was reported for the first time within thiol–ene polyHIPEs. Due to the transparency of the emulsions, rapid curing via photopolymerization was feasible. The average pore diameters of the resulting polyHIPEs ranged between 1.2 and 3.6 μm, and porosity of up to 90% was achieved. The water uptake of the materials reached up to 1000% by weight. Drug loading and release were demonstrated, employing salicylic acid as a model drug. Porous profile and biodegradability add to the usefulness of the material for biomedical applications.
Highlights
Research on porous polymers has expanded into different directions, such as gas and energy storage, separation methods, heterogeneous catalysis,[1] and the biomedical sector.[2]
■ RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Synthesis of PEG-Based PolyHIPEs Cross-linked by Thiol−Ene Reaction
Several initial factors were evaluated for the o/w polyHIPEs, the most important one being the appropriate surfactant system
Summary
Research on porous polymers has expanded into different directions, such as gas and energy storage, separation methods, heterogeneous catalysis,[1] and the biomedical sector.[2] Crosslinked polymers with micrometer-sized pores and an interconnected open porous structure are especially interesting for biomedical applications. They can be employed for tissue engineering, tissue regeneration, cell culturing, wound dressings, or controlled release.[2] One of the routes leading to such macroporous polymers is the emulsion templating method utilizing high internal phase emulsions (HIPEs). The potential of polyHIPEs within the area of biomedical applications, where precautions to prevent toxicity and in vivo incompatibility must be taken, is underlined by a recent review on the matter.[5]
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