For some applications of implantable polymeric devices, material degradation and disappearance with time is necessary. In such a case, control in the polymer applications can be achieved through understanding the process of degradation. Heat effect on physical changes of polymeric materials under service condition should also not be overlooked. Poly octanediol citrate/Nano silica composite was developed and tested for glass transition (Tg) and physical degradation within the environmental factors that impact the use of the Poly octanediol citrate/Nano silica composite for medical application. Degradation correlated well with the nano silica content while the indicated low Tg value confirmed the amorphousness of the Poly octanediol citrate/Nano silica composite at 37°C.

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The Poly octanediol citrate/Nano silica composites were developed by thorough mixing of the POC prepolymer and nano silica with the aid of mechanical stirrer to compound the mixture to clay-like. The mixture was postpolymerised by casting in Teflon moulds and curing for three days at 80°Cand another two days at 120°C. Equimolar amounts of octanol (98%) and of molar mass (146.23 g/mol) obtained from Sigma Aldrich and citric acid of high purity (99.5 - 100.5) and molar mass (192.124 g/mol) purchased from Merck, were mixed and reacted under an inert atmosphere of nitrogen gas. Melting of the mixture by reflux reaction proceeded at 160°C for 30 min under constant stirring for complete melting and reaction of the monomers. Gradual decrease of the temperature to 140°C followed afterwards, which was held for 60 min for the POC prepolymer to be produced. It was subsequently cooled to room temperature.

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Innovation in Material Science: The article contributes to the ongoing development of advanced materials for biomedical applications by introducing a novel biodegradable polymer composite. This innovation addresses the current limitations of biodegradable elastomers, such as synthesis complexity and high production costs.

Myocardial Tissue and Vascular Grafts:The investigation into POC's applications for myocardial tissue and vascular grafts highlights its potential to improve outcomes in cardiovascular treatments. Its biomimetic viscoelastic behavior can enhance the compatibility and functionality of implants.

Cost-Effective Processing:The article emphasizes the ease of processing POC under mild conditions without toxic catalysts or crosslinking agents, which can reduce production costs and improve scalability. This economic advantage is crucial for commercial viability and broader adoption in clinical settings.

Mass Production Potential: The use of direct compounding methods for producing polymer nanocomposites offers a practical and cost-effective approach for large-scale production. This capability can accelerate the commercialization and availability of advanced biomedical materials.

Thermal and Degradation Analysis: The detailed analysis of thermal properties (using DSC) and degradation behavior provides valuable insights into the performance and stability of POC/nano silica composites. This information is essential for designing materials that can withstand the physiological conditions of implantable devices.

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At week 4, the Poly octanediol citrate/Nano silica composite samples designated POC-2SiO2, POC-3SiO2, POC-4SiO2, POC-5SiO2, and POC-6SiO2 had weight losses of 31.76, 29.62, 21.01, 18.15, and 18.92% respectively. As could be noticed from Figure-3, nano silica content within the composite played an essential role in weight loss at all the time. Decreased degradation rate regarding weight loss was associated with increasing nano silica content of the nanocomposite. The degradation rates of the composites with 50 and 60 silica weight percentages were close at the set time intervals. POC-2SiO2 had the highest rate of degradation within week 4 of incubation while POC-6SiO2 showed the lowest rate. Hydrolysis and enzymolysis of ester bonds can easily invoke degradation of Poly octanediol citrate polyester under physiological conditions [28]. The presence of hydrophilic groups such as hydroxyls and carboxyls have accorded water molecules ease of penetrating the Poly octanediol citrate network and hydrolysing the ester bonds. The lower rates of degradation seen with the Poly octanediol citrate/Nano silica composites should be attributed to the different polycondensation degree of reaction because of the limited weight percentage of the Poly octanediol citrate and the inclusion of the nano silica in the composites. The degree of crosslinking, for the same curing temperature and time, is expected to be affected as such.

Increasing Demand in Healthcare: As the global population ages, the incidence of age-related conditions such as osteoporosis and cardiovascular diseases increases, driving the demand for advanced biomedical materials for implants and tissue engineering.

Biocompatibility: POC is known for its excellent biocompatibility, making it suitable for a wide range of biomedical applications, including myocardial tissue engineering, vascular grafts, and drug delivery.

Market Opportunities: There is a growing market for materials that can aid in the repair and regeneration of tissues. POC's biomimetic properties make it a strong candidate for these applications.

Challenges and Considerations: While POC and its composites have many advantages, the cost of production remains a barrier. Advances in manufacturing technologies and economies of scale will be crucial to making these materials commercially viable.

Commercialization Potential: Ongoing research into improving the mechanical properties and degradation rates of POC composites will enhance their suitability for various applications.