Synthesis of PTCG Poly(Ether Ester) Elastomer and a Preliminary Biocompatible Evaluation

A series of poly(butylene terephthalate)-co-poly(cyclohexylene dimethyl terephthalate)-b-poly(ethylene glycol) (PTCG) copolymers were synthesized by a two-step polycondensation. The in vitro cytotoxicity test of PTCG was carried out according to ISO10993 standard. Dog's vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) were used as model cells to test the cell affinity on PTCG films. 3D vascular scaffolds were fabricated by a spin-molding/particle leaching technique. SMCs were inoculated on the scaffolds and then cultured in a bioreactor. The copolymer extracts showed no cytotoxic reactivity in the in vitro cytotoxity test. SMCs adhered to the PTCG films and grew well. The scaffolds appeared to meet the demands of tissue engineering on vascular scaffolds as to the porosity, pore size and mechanical properties. After the 3 d culture, SMCs grew into the scaffolds and began to proliferate.