Recent advances in the biomedical field have utilised the unique properties of thiol-ene and thiol-yne polymers, and in this presentation, novel thiol-ene and thiol-yne polymers are designed into fully biodegradable implants through 3D printing. These polymers were synthesised to achieve specific mechanical strengths and controlled degradation rates, making them ideal for patient-tailored medical applications. The session explores creating 3D printed thiol-ene and thiol-yne implants that conform to patient anatomy while ensuring safe and predictable degradation.
The talk will discuss the chemical rationale behind selecting thiol and alkyne monomers, demonstrating how variations in their ratios affect the polymers' physical properties, from very stiff polymers suitable for structural applications to softer ones that degrade quickly and minimise long-term exposure. Particularly notable is the shape memory behaviour observed in some of the 3D printed formulations, enabling implants to be delivered in compact forms and then expand to their functional shapes within the body, enhancing their applicability in minimally invasive procedures.
Results from degradation studies and mechanical testing will be presented, illustrating how these materials disintegrate in a controlled manner to prevent post-treatment complications such as chronic inflammation or the need for surgical removal.
This talk will be essential for attendees interested in the future of medical implants and the application of polymer chemistry in healthcare. It offers a deep dive into the potential of thiol-ene and thiol-yne based systems to provide more effective, less invasive treatments for chronic diseases, backed by empirical data and comprehensive material characterisations.
Learning Objectives:
Identify limitations of traditional treatments and benefits of tuneable degradable implants
Understand the properties and advantages of thiol-ene and thiol-yne systems
Examine the role of 3D printing in customising effective implants
