Comparative characterization of oligomeric precursors intended for injectable implants

The use of injectable materials is a simple approach for drug delivery and tissue repair, in, e.g. minimally invasive surgery applications. If these materials are used past their glass transition temperature and have a low viscosity, they will be able to flow while delivered in situ. Whether these materials are to be used as low viscosity drug carriers or further crosslinked for tissue repair, there is a need for a better understanding of their handling properties. In this study, oligo(trimethylene carbonate) (oTMC) and oligoD,L‐lactide‐co‐(ε‐caprolactone)] (oDLLA‐co‐CL) of various molecular weights within a relevant injectability range were synthesized via ring‐opening polymerization. The materials were comparatively characterized by ¹H NMR spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, gel permeation chromatography, and rheological measurements. After comparing the viscosities and molecular weights of the materials, it was concluded that oDLLA‐co‐CLs were, generally, better suited as an injectable in situ crosslinking network, whereas oTMCs were found to be better candidates as injectable drug carriers. This study provides useful data and guidelines on the use of these and other similar oligomers intended for injectable implants. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.