Biodegradable crosslinked polymer networks

Biodegradable shape-memory polymer networks with single POSS moieties located in the center of the network chains would promote POSS crystallization even within a constraining network structure. Successful synthesis of POSS initiated poly(e-caprolactone) (PCL) telechelic diols, utilizing a POSS diol as initiator, was reported by Lee et al. [116]. The POSS-PCL diols were terminated with acrylate groups and photocured in the presence of a tetrathiol crosslinker. Scheme 1 shows the chemical reaction for the synthesis of POSS-PCL network. 

He, S., Timmer, M. D., Yaszemski, M. J., Yasko, A. W., Engel, P. S. Mikos, A. G. (2001) Synthesis of biodegradable poly(propylene fumarate) networks with poly(propylene fumarate)-diacrylate macromers as crosslinking agents and characterization of their degradation products. Polymer, 42, 1251-1260. 

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