Surface functionalization of poly(ε-caprolactone) and poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) with VEGF

Abstract

AbstractIn this study, surface modifications for the biodegradable polymers poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) and poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) [P(3HB)] were developed in order to improve their suitability as scaffold material for bioartificial vessel prostheses. The challenge of wet-chemical surface modifications is to avoid bulk adjustments resulting in undesired changes in mechanical properties of these polymers. Nevertheless subsequent immobilization and controlled release of potent angiogenic biomolecules like vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) from the polymer surface is required. In order to improve the biocompatibility of PCL and P(3HB), terminal hydroxyl groups on the surface of these polymers were generated via oxygen (O