Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation

Materials & Chemicals
Materials Chemicals
Broad Application Bioresorbable Polymers
WiSys: T100002US02

Inventors: John Droske, Mark Juetten


Overview
There is a great need and market opportunity for bioresorbable and biodegradable polymers. These polymers could prove useful in a broad range of applications including health care where the polymers could be used as thermoformed bone adhesives and replacements, stents, drug delivery or low temperature cross linking surgical paste that would minimize necrosis. There is also great demand for biodegradable polymers in packaging applications where degradation time can be selected along with variable rigidity and pliability of the polymer.
The Invention
A researcher at the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point has developed a series of reversible cross linked biocompatible films with straightforward monomer synthesis from mercaptosuccinic acid and succinic acid. Base monomers are polymerized or crosslinked in a highly robust reaction without the need for protection and deprotection allowing for the creation of a wide variety of difunctional and polyfunctional monomers. To date polymers with a wide range of properties have been created, from those that are transparent and flexible to hard and tough polymers. The crosslinking is conducted at a low temperature and little to no lactic acid is needed depending on the application. These crosslinking reactions offer the unique feature of being readily reversible allowing for depolymerized to base monomers without degradation lending the polymers to highly effective recycling for sustainable commodity applications. The monomers can also have application in copolymers and dendrimers.
Applications
  • Bioresorbable healthcare applications
  • Biodegradable films and plastics
Key Benefits
  • Robust reaction without the need for protection and deprotection
  • Easy selectivity for plastic properties along with degradation time depending on application.
  • Highly recyclable – depolymerization to base monomers without degradation
  • Low temperature polymerization reactions
Stage of Development
Base compounds developed
For current licensing status, please contact Jennifer Souter at [javascript protected email address] or (608) 316-4131

WARF