Title: Preparation and characterisation of novel polycaprolactone-chitosan blends

Authors: Richard A. Rothwell; Mark S. Pridham; Gareth A. Thomson

Addresses: Division of Mechanical Engineering and Mechatronics, University of Dundee, Dundee, DD1 4HN, UK. ' Division of Mechanical Engineering and Mechatronics, University of Dundee, Dundee, DD1 4HN, UK. ' School of Engineering and Applied Science, Aston University, Aston Triangle, Birmingham, B4 7ET, UK

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.

Keywords: chitosan; polycaprolactone; bioabsorbable; polymer stents; anastomotic leakage; polycaprolactone-chitosan blends; gastrointestinal surgery; material degradation; biocompatibility; gastrointestinal stents.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMEI.2011.042872

International Journal of Medical Engineering and Informatics, 2011 Vol.3 No.3, pp.264 - 274

Published online: 07 Mar 2015 *

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