Molecular Control of Degradable Polymers for Biomedical Applications

Convener:

Matthew Davidson, University of Bath, UK

Programme:

Wednesday 5 August (morning and afternoon)

Keynote Speakers

Control in lactide polymerization by coordination metal complex and organic catalysis
Malcolm H. Chisholm, Ohio State University, USA

Supercritical fluids: New approaches to polymeric biomaterials
Steven M. Howdle, University of Nottingham, UK

Organocatalysis for the generation of biodegradable polymers
Robert Waymouth, Stanford University, USA

Speakers

Degradable polymers for gene delivery
Cameron Alexander, University of Nottingham, UK

PLGA and PCL-based scaffolds for bladder tissue engineering
Neil R. Cameron, Durham University, UK

Homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts for the controlled production of polylactide
Matthew D. Jones, University of Bath, UK

Synthesis and degradation of biomedical materials based on linear and star shaped polyglycidols
Helmut Keul, RWTH Aachen, Germany

Stereoselective ring-opening polymerization of lactide using lewis acidic metal initiators
Jun Okuda, RWTH Aachen, Germany

Synthesis and ring-opening polymerisation of cyclic esters derived from malic acid
Ryan J. Pounder, University of Warwick, UK

Symposium Information

This symposium will focus on the synthesis, processing and application of degradable polymers for their development in biomedical applications including tissue engineering and drug delivery.

Current polymers of choice for these applications are aliphatic polyesters such as polylactide, polyglycolide and polycaprolactone (and their copolymers) which are generally obtained from metal- (or organo-) catalysed ring-opening polymerization of cyclic esters.

As the biomedical applications for these materials become more diverse and sophisticated there is a major opportunity for the involvement of chemists who can apply their knowledge to control at the molecular level in order to generate functional materials possessing well-defined physical and chemical properties.

Currently, (with some notable exceptions) molecular aspects of the development of biomedical materials are underexploited and the symposium will aim to emphasise the opportunities for molecular chemistry to play a central role in making future advances in the area.