Degradable Nitric Oxide-Releasing Biomaterials via Post-Polymerization Functionalization of Cross-Linked Polyesters

The synthesis of diverse nitric oxide (NO)-releasing network polyesters is described. The melt phase condensation of polyols with a calculated excess of diacid followed by thermal curing generates cross-linked polyesters containing acid end groups. Varying the composition and curing temperatures of the polyesters resulted in materials with tunable thermal and degradation properties. Glass transition temperatures for the synthesized materials range from −25.5 to 3.2 °C, while complete degradation of these polyesters occurs within a minimum of nine weeks under physiological conditions (pH 7.4, 37 °C). Post-polymerization coupling of aminothiols to terminal carboxylic acids generate thiol-containing polyesters, with thermal and degradation characteristics similar to those of the parent polyesters. After nitrosation, these materials are capable of releasing up to 0.81 μmol NO cm−2 for up to 6 d. The utility of the polyesters as antibacterial biomaterials was indicated by an 80% reduction of Pseudomonas aeruginosa adhesion compared to unmodified controls.