Development of novel ionic biodegradable polymer resins for use in temporary bone fracture fixation

A new oligomeric methacrylate monomer based on polycarbonate was synthesized. It was utilized to make ionic biodegradable polymers containing ionic function to promote adhesion to biodegradable calcium polyphosphate (CPP) in the form of interpenetrating phase composites (IPC).; Swelling for the synthesized polymers increased with increasing ionic content. In vitro biodegradation studies using either cholesterol esterase (CE) or U 937 cells (a macrophage-like cell line) demonstrated surface erosion and significant release of polymer components, confirming biodegradability.; The ionic groups enhanced the interfacial bonding of the ionic polymers to the CPP and increased the bending strength and modulus of the as made IPCs. The biodegradation studies showed that the mechanical properties of IPC made of ionic polymers dropped dramatically upon incubation in phosphate buffer and CE solutions. Swelling of the polymers, formation of microvoids and loss of interfacial bonding were three major mechanisms responsible for the decrease in mechanical properties of IPCs.