A Statistical Kinetic Model for the Bulk Degradation of PLA-b-PEG-b-PLA Hydrogel Networks:  Incorporating Network Non-Idealities

Experimental studies and theoretical predictions of the bulk-degradation behavior of nonideal PLA-b-PEG-b-PLA hydrogels were performed. The theoretical predictions are based on a previously developed model to which refinements have been made, including the incorporation of a more realistic descripti...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The journal of physical chemistry. B 2001-08, Vol.105 (34), p.8069-8076
Main Authors: Metters, Andrew T, Anseth, Kristi S, Bowman, Christopher N
Format: Article
Language:English
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Summary:Experimental studies and theoretical predictions of the bulk-degradation behavior of nonideal PLA-b-PEG-b-PLA hydrogels were performed. The theoretical predictions are based on a previously developed model to which refinements have been made, including the incorporation of a more realistic description of the cross-linked, copolymer network structure. Also, structural complexities such as unreacted vinyl groups, multiple degradation sites along the polymer chains, and distributions in the degrees of polymerization of the cross-links, cycles, and backbone chains that comprise the network are now included in the model. Each of these factors has a dramatic effect on the bulk-degradation behavior of the hydrogels, and this second generation model incorporates these factors into the theoretical description of the experimental system with only a minimal increase in the number of parameters and complexity of the model equations.
ISSN:1520-6106
1520-5207
DOI:10.1021/jp004083h