Abstract
We developed a series of photoreactive biodegradable macromonomers consisting of caprolactone (CL) and lactic acid (LA). Four poly-(CL-LA) chains were synthesized from pentaerithilytol, and acrylyl radical groups were added to the end of these chains. Upon irradiation with UV or visible light, the macromonomers were successfully polymerized to form elastic materials with various shapes including macroporous cell supports. Young modulus and loss tangent were regulated by changing the length of the poly-(CL-LA) side chains. A material formed from a macromonomer with a molecular weight of 10,000 found to have young modulus and loss tangent close to those of native artery. Therefore, the developed new materials are useful for engineering a biohybrid-type blood vessel by inoculating endothelial, smooth muscle, or fibroblast cells.
