Seminar: Aliphatic polycarbonate-based biomaterials: from elastic hydrogels to viscous liquids

Dr. Brian Amsden

Department of Chemical Engineering, Queen’s University

Aliphatic polycarbonates feature low cytotoxicity, a low glass transition temperature, and elasticity. These polymers are readily synthesized through ring-opening polymerization of cyclic carbonates, such as trimethylene carbonate, using a variety of biologically benign catalysts. They are also hydrolysis resistant and degrade in a molecular weight dependent manner through the action of reactive oxygen species and enzymes secreted by activated macrophages. This combination of properties makes them potentially useful for creating a variety of polymer biomaterials, ranging from elastic and resilient hydrogels to viscous liquids. In this presentation, a demonstration of the utility of these materials will be provided, focusing on copolymers designed as scaffolding materials for soft connective tissue regeneration and as vehicles of the delivery of acid-sensitive drugs.
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Brian Amsden is the Donald and Joan McGeachy Chair in Biomedical Engineering at Queen’s University. His current research interests include the development of biodegradable elastomers, hydrogels, and low viscosity hydrophobic polymers for the local delivery of small molecules, peptides and proteins, and stem cells, and as scaffolds for soft and connective tissue regeneration. He is the Director of the CONNECT! NSERC CREATE Program in Soft Connective Tissue Regeneration Network and a Co-Director of the Human Mobility Research Centre at Queen’s..

Hosted by Dr. Molly Shoichet
Snacks and Refreshments will be served