Compressive strengths of PEG gels with glycerol and bioglass particles

Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-based materials can potentially be used as biomechanical matrices for regenerative medicine implants including the replacement of intervertebral (IV) discs. Glycerol and other plasticizers (low-MW PEG, propylene glycol, and sorbitol) were added to the bulk PEG matrix, gelled using chemical and photochemical methods at different temperature and pressure settings, and compression properties acquired and analyzed. Incorporation of surface bioactive glass particles shortened the blood clotting time, while alginate and laponite additives improved the gels mechanical properties to 645 kPa compressive modulus, 12% yield strain, and 79 kPa yield strength. This IV disc-modeled system endured the cyclic loading and unloading test indicative of an elastic response; but required improvement of its biomechanical tolerance.