Functionalization and photocuring of an L-lactic acid macromer for biomedical applications

L-lactic acid was the starting material for obtaining bioahesives. Reaction with 1,4-butanediol provided a telechelic lactic acid prepolymer with hydroxyl end groups further functionalized with 2-isocyanatoethyl methacrylate. Films were produced upon UV irradiation, 2min, after addition of Irgacure 2959. This was a solvent and catalyst free process. Thermal characterization of films confirmed stability at physiological temperature, enabling photocuring. Adhesion properties were assessed with good results. In vitro degradation tests showed moderate hydrolytic instability dependent on thickness. SEM images revealed a uniform and compact structure. Thrombosis tests confirmed the materials' thrombogenicity while biocompatibility experiments showed fibroblast viability and antimicrobial behavior.