This study investigated whether polycaprolactone could be used in tissue engineering as a scaffolding material. The hypothesis was that polycaprolactone would have similar properties to polylactic acid, which is currently used successfully in tissue engineering. Nuclear magnetic resonance testing showed that polycaprolactone had resonance peaks in the same locations as polylactic acid. Thermal analysis also demonstrated that polycaprolactone has properties very similar to polylactic acid. The results suggest that polycaprolactone is a viable potential material for use in tissue scaffolding.

1. Using Polycaprolactone for Tissue Regeneration A Research Study by: Satish Bhat UCONN - STORRS

2. Abstract Biomedical engineering and tissue regeneration are novel fields of research. Lives are lost everyday across the world because of the lack of donor organs. By producing these organs artificially, those people would be able to continue their lives. It was hypothesized that polycaprolactone would be a viable material to use in tissue engineering. This hypothesis was based on previous research that had been done. In this study, many specific analytical tests had to be done to find valid results. For example, a NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) test was done as well as thermal analysis. During the course of the study, several important results were gained. Thus far, polycaprolactone has been shown as a valid material to be used in tissue engineering. The results of the NMR test showed the presence of stable ions in the polymer as polylactic acid. Polylactic acid is a polymer that is currently being successfully used in tissue engineering. Also, thermal analysis tests showed that the polymer is a thermoplastic and has very similar characteristics to polylactic acid. Results obtained suggest that polycaprolactone is a strong contender for tissue scaffolding. NMR results show the magnetic pulse for polycaprolactone was radiated back out at the same frequency as polylactic acid. Polylactic acid is successfully being used, and because polycaprolactone has similar characteristics; it can possibly be used in scaffolding. Lives can be saved with this research, and polycaprolactone also is better for the environment because of its biodegradability characteristics.

4. Lives are lost because organs die due to old age and disease – donor organs save those people

5. Donors are not always available, synthetic organs come into playExample of Tissue Scaffold

7. Prior research has shown that PCL scaffolds “possess mechanical properties within the lower range of…bone, suggesting that they may have the ability to withstand early functional loading.”How to create grafts for human use

9. Being investigated by comparing to already used polymer, polylactic acid

10. IF similar characteristics, then strong contender for use in scaffolding.How to create polycaprolactone

12. 0.0161g of initiator (terepthaldehyde) at room temperature

13. 3mL of solvent (toluene) at room temperature

14. Argon gas to replace atmosphere

15. Access to a clock

16. Liquid nitrogen

17. 1.0300g of caprolactone at room temperature

18. NMR test

19. GPC test

20. DSC test

21. Thermal analysis

22. Mechanical analysis

23. Stress test

24. Lab notebook

25. Ring

26. Test tube

27. Hot plate that can spin test tubes

28. Thermometer

29. Two 5mL syringes

30. Analytical balance

31. DSC pansChemical Structure of Caprolactone

32. Procedure

33. Calculations This figure shows the calculations used to obtain the amount of each substance.

34. NMR Results This figure is the results of the NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) Test

35. Structures of Materials Polycaprolactone Caprolactone/Zr = 1/2 Cp2ZrHCl (Schwartz Reagent) Caprolactone

36. GPC Results

37. Mechanical Testing Results PCL Mn = 218,000 modulus

38. DSC Results Heating Scan Cooling Scan PCL PCL P(DL)LA Heat Flow P(DL)LA PCL-b-P(DL)LA PCL-b-P(DL)LA PCL-co-P(DL)LA PCL-co-P(DL)LA Temperature (C) Temperature (C)

40. Peaks at 6.8, 4.0, 1.8, 0.5, 0.6, and 0.0 (same locations as polylactic acid)

41. Possibly strong contender for tissue scaffoldingPolycaprolactone

43. Argon gas was not injected perfectly due to the ring on the test tube not being tight enough

44. All measurements are never perfectFront light mount from PCL

45. Acknowledgements Research was assisted by Assistant Professor at UCONN – Storrs Dr. Alexandru Asandei and Graduate Student Christopher Simpson. Research was conducted at the Institute of Material Sciences – Polymer Building, 97 North Eagleville Road, Storrs, CT.

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