Preparation and characterisation of novel polycaprolactone-chitosan blends

Richard A. Rothwell, Mark S. Pridham, Gareth A. Thomson

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    1 Citation (Scopus)

    Abstract

    This research paper reports on the production of a biocompatible and biodegradable material to be used in a polymer stent used for counteracting the occurrence of anastomotic leakage following gastrointestinal surgery. Chitosan was blended with polycaprolactone in a solvent mixture of acetic acid and water. Membranes were formed with a range of 50/50%, 60/40%, 65/35%, 70/30% and 80/20% polycaprolactone/chitosan. The tensile properties of the blends were examined over a time period to access material degradation. In addition the biocompatibilities of the polycaprolactone/chitosan blends were tested for cytotoxic effect using primary tendon fibroblastic cells. This research concluded that the polycaprolactone/chitosan was non-toxic to the fibroblasts cells in-vitro. Analysis of the mechanical properties of the blends showed a range of mechanical strengths and polymer life spans. Overall, blends of 65/35%, 70/30% and 80/20% polycaprolactone/chitosan emerged as possible candidates for the production of a gastrointestinal stent.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)264-274
    Number of pages11
    JournalInternational Journal of Medical Engineering and Informatics
    Volume3
    Issue number3
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - Oct 2011

    Keywords

    • Anastomotic leakage
    • Bioabsorbable
    • Chitosan
    • Polycaprolactone
    • Stent

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