Affiliation:
1. Dipartimento di Chimica e Chimica Industriale Università degli studi di Genova via Dodecaneso 31 Genoa 16146 Italy
2. Department of Civil Chemical and Environmental Engineering University of Genoa via Opera Pia, 15 Genoa 16145 Italy
3. Research Center for Biologically Inspired Engineering in Vascular Medicine and Longevity University of Genoa via Montallegro, 1 Genoa 16145 Italy
4. IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino largo Rosanna Benzi, 10 Genoa 16132 Italy
Abstract
AbstractThe retention capacity of polymers is related to the development of systems that combine high surface‐to‐volume ratio with good handling and specific functionality. Biodegradability and biocompatibility are also key features for extending the field of applications to areas such as biomedicine. With this in mind, the aim of this work is to develop biodegradable, biocompatible, and highly functionalized porous films, that ensure suitable handling and a good surface‐to‐volume ratio. Polylactic acid (PLA) is applied as a polymer matrix to which a polycaprolactone with a star‐shaped architecture (PCL‐COOH) to ensure a high concentration of carboxylic end functionalities is added. The porous films are prepared using the phase inversion technique, which, as shown by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis, promotes good dispersion of the PCL‐COOH domains. Absorption and release measurements performed with a positively charged model molecule show that the retention capacity and release rate can be tuned by changing the PCL‐COOH concentration in the systems. Moreover, the adsorption properties for the formulation with the highest PCL‐COOH content are also demonstrated with a real and widely used drug, namely doxorubicin. Finally, the bio‐ and hemocompatibility of the films, which are enzymatically degradable, are evaluated by using human keratinocytes and red blood cells, respectively.