Transfer of TPE Nanocomposite Technology to Health Care

This paper will discuss novel self-assembling biomaterials based on dendritic or arborescent polyisobutylene (D_PIB). Linear triblock poly(styrene-b-isobutylene-b-styrene) (SIBS), the first representative of PIB-based biomaterials, is approved by the FDA for use in the TaxusÒ Drug Eluting stents. SIBS and dendritic or arborescent D_SIBS are self-assembling thermoplastic elastomers TPEs, with D_SIBS having lower tensile strength but lower creep and improved fatigue life. We recently produced nanocomposites of novel D_PIB-based TPEs with carbon, silica and clay. These networks had 2-10 times higher tensile strength, half of the gas permeability and much better fatigue properties than that of the neat polymer. The carbon-based networks showed excellent biocompatibility in vivo, having thinner capsules than silicone after 180 days implantation into rabbits.