Other

The University of Akron

University of Warwick

Jiayi Yu

Matthew L Becker

Andrew P Dove

Vinh X Truong

Ian A Barker

Craig A Bell

In various embodiments, the present invention provides a strong, synthetic elastomer materials (and related methods for making same) with mechanical properties that are controlled by the stereochemically-defined double bonds within their backbone, yet have physical properties that are derived from monomer selection and defined, modifiable, chain end groups. The use of the organocatalyzed, stereospecific addition of thiols to activated alkynes, affords isolated high molar mass materials (&#x3e;100 kDa) via step-growth polymerization with high levels of cis- or trans-double bond content. Furthermore, in various aspects of the present invention, it has been found that changing the monomer composition and chain end groups provides additional control over the materials' physical properties to provide more efficient compounding with polar additives. Using this approach to elastomer synthesis, further end group modification and toughening through various vulcanization strategies are also possible.

Biomimetic synthetic rubber and methods for controlling its physical properties through backbone double bond stereochemistry by monomer selection and end group modification

One or more embodiments of the present invention provide a hyperbranched amino-acid-based PEU polymer for use in regenerative medicine and/or drug delivery applications has tunable mechanical and thermal properties, but is sufficiently stable to permit such things as ethyloxide sterilization without degradation and/or significant loss of function. These hyperbranched amino acid-based poly(ester urea) (PEU) by interfacial polycondensation between linear and branched amino acid-based polyester monomers and a urea forming material such as trisphosgene or phosgene. By controlling the amount of branched monomer incorporated into the copolymer, the mechanical properties and water uptake abilities of the resulting hyperbranched amino acid-based PEUs may be tuned. The hyperbranched PEUs nanofibers are sterilizable with ETO and are stable for long periods of ETO sterilization, elevated temperature and exposure to aqueous environments. In various embodiments, these hyperbranched amino acid-based PEUs are also biodegradable and can be formed into fibers.

Hyperbranched amino acid-based poly(ester urea)s for regenerative medicine and drug delivery

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Cuyahoga Falls, OH, United States of America

Jiayi Yu