| This thesis studied the potential of new biodegradable and electrically conductive polymers for vascular and tissue engineering applications. Newly synthesized poly(epsilon-caprolactone/poly(ethylene glycol)/L-lactide) (PCEL) and electrically conductive biodegradable polymer composite (PPy/PDLLA) were examined both in vitro and in vivo to determine their biodegradation, biocompatibility, and electrical stability. Results show that the uniform degradation of the PCEL in simple hydrolysis was as slow as that observed with PLLA. In the presence of pancreatin, the PCEL showed heterogeneous degradation. The PCEL impregnated as a sealant in vascular prostheses induced a mild inflammation in vivo in a subcutaneous model, comparable to the reactions with other clinically used biodegradable polymers. The PPy/PDLLA composite showed sufficient electrical stability to serve as a template for electrical stimulation in a biologically relevant environment. The tissue reaction of the PPy/PDLLA composite was similar to that of the PDLLA. The PCEL and PPy/PDLLA composite therefore represent potentially important new biomaterials. |
