Biocompatible multiblock aliphatic polyesters containing ether-linkages: influence of molecular architecture on solid-state properties and hydrolysis rate

In this study, we propose a new class of multiblock copolyesters containing butylene 1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylate (BCE) and diethylene glycol 1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylate (DGCE) sequences. The two parent homopolymers were prepared by the usual two-stage melt polycondensation. On the other hand, the multiblock copolyesters, characterized by the same chemical composition but different block lengths, were synthesized by reactive blending. Physicochemical characterization (DSC, WAXS, tensile tests, WCA, hydrolysis experiments) demonstrated that the block length controls the polymer crystallinity, the thermal and mechanical properties, the wettability and the degradation rate. The copolymers displayed different stiffnesses, mainly depending on the crystallinity degree and macromolecular chain flexibility, a tunable range of degradation rates, and different surface hydrophilicity. Biocompatibility assays showed the absence of potentially cytotoxic products released into the culture medium by the investigated samples, and demonstrated that our substrates support a physical environment where cells can adhere and proliferate, confirming their potential for biomedical applications.