Resorbable Polymer Membranes for Medical Applications

A bioresorbable polymer poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL) was tested in order to obtain porous materials suitable for membranes. The commercial PCL with various molecular weights (2kDa, 60kDa, 80 kDa) but similar polydispersity has been chosen. The membranes were produced by the casting method and the membrane materials underwent microstructure investigation (SEM) to assess the size of pores and an average porosity of the membranes. The membranes permeability was established by means of ultrafiltration. Also wettabilility and basic mechanical properties (such as: tensile strength Rm, Youngs modulus, E) were established. The membranes durability was tested in in vitro conditions (PBS/37°C) by monitoring of changes by means of ion conductivity measurement and changes in the molecular weight (the Ubbelohde method). The porous materials were tested towards biocompatibility, i.e. the membrane was contacted with the osteoblast line of NHOst cells (viability test, cells morphology). Non-perforated PCL foil was used as a reference material. The best physicochemical, mechanical and biological properties of the membranes were observed in case of application of PCL with molecular weight of 60 kDa.