Polymer Science Faculty Research

Title

Rubbery Wound Closure Adhesives. I. Design, Synthesis, Characterization, and Testing of Polyisobutylene-Based Cyanoacrylate Homo- and Co-Networks

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

Spring 3-28-2015

Abstract

Novel rubbery wound closures containing various proportions and molecular weights of polyisobutylene (PIB) and poly(2-octyl cyanoacrylate) [P(OctCA)] for potential clinical use were designed, synthesized, characterized, and tested. Homo-networks were prepared by crosslinking 3-arm star-shaped PIBs fitted with terminal cyanoacrylate groups, [Ø(PIB-CA)3], and co-networks by copolymerizing Ø(PIB-CA)3 with OctCA using N-dimethyl-p-toluidine (DMT). Neat Ø(PIB-CA)3, and Ø(PIB-CA)3/OctCA blends, upon contact with initiator, polymerize within seconds to optically transparent strong rubbery co-networks, Ø(PIB-CA)3-co-P(OctCA). Homo- and co-network formation was demonstrated by sol/gel studies, and structures and properties were characterized by a battery of techniques. The Tg of P(OctCA) is 58 °C by DSC, and 75 °C by DMTA. Co-networks comprising 25% Ø(PIB-CA)3 (Mn  = 2400 g/mol) and 75% P(OctCA) are stronger and more extensible than skin. Short and long term creep studies show co-networks exhibit high dimensional stability and <6% creep strain at high loading. When deposited on porcine skin co-networks yield hermetically-adhering clear rubbery coatings. Strips of porcine skin coated with co-networks could be stretched and twisted without compromising membrane integrity. The co-network is nontoxic to L-929 mouse fibroblasts.

Publication Title

Journal of Polymer Science Part A: Polymer Chemistry

Volume

53

Issue

14

First Page

1640

Last Page

1651

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