Synthesis and Testing of Polymers Susceptible to Degradation by Proteolytic Enzymes
Abstract
This report describes synthesis, biodegradation, and property studies on new materials which have both biodegradability and good physical properties. A copolymer of polycaprolactone blocks, terminated with ethanolamine and linked by diisocyanatohexane, was biodegraded by the enzymes urease and rennin, and also by two fungi. The tensile strength was greater than 10,000 psi, with high ultimate tensile elongation. Plasticized gelatin crosslinked with dilute diisocyanatohexane also has produced fibers with very high biodegradability and good strength. The fibers are drawn before passing them through a bath containing the crosslinking agent. Other polymers of interest which have been found to be biodegradable include a poly(ester-urea), which is based on poly(L- phenyl-alamine), and copolymers based on mandelic acid.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1975
- Accession Number
- ADA029935
Entities
People
- J. P. Bell
- J. R. Knox
- S. J. Huang
Organizations
- University of Connecticut