The design of poly(tert-butyl acrylate) networks for biomedical applications.

摘要

The organization of this Dissertation is as follows. Chapter 1 serves an introduction to polymer networks. Different types of networks are described, as well as some relevant theoretical models used to characterize such networks. Chapter 2 discusses how different curing processes affect the final network structures of poly(tert-butyl acrylate) (poly( t-BA)) gels. Specifically, uncovered and covered molds are investigated in order to see how evaporation of the precursor solution effects the final network structure. Different curing temperatures as well as different amounts and qualities of solvents are also explored. Rheological and swelling experiments are used in conjunction with equilibrium swelling theories in order to deduce poly(t-BA) network structure. Chapter 3 discusses the biocompatibility of various poly(t-BA) topographies, namely brushes formed by both spin coating and supercritical carbon dioxide, and crosslinked networks. This investigation explored the possibility of using poly(t-BA) as a biomaterial as well as answering the question of how thin we can make polymer coatings before the cells begin to respond to the underlying surface beneath the polymer layer. Chapter 4 discusses the synthesis of end-linked networks, which are far more homogeneous in nature than networks made by free radical polymerization. One approach taken is the so-called "click chemistry" approach is discussed and results in networks that have very well-defined molecular weights between crosslinks. These end-linking procedures leads to an easy and reliable approach for making homogeneous, networks. Chapter 5 concludes this Dissertation with a summary with possible future outlooks.