The present invention provides a new polyester biomaterial through a simple one-step polycondensation synthesis. 124 polymer exhibited highly elastic properties under aqueous conditions that were tunable according to the UV light exposure, monomer composition, and porosity of the cured elastomer. Its elastomeric properties fell within the range of adult heart myocardium, but they could also be optimized for higher elasticity for weaker immature constructs. The polymer showed relatively stable degradation characteristics, both hydrolytically and in a cellular environment, suggesting maintenance of material properties as a scaffold support for potential tissue implants. When assessed for cell interaction, this polymer supported rat cardiac cell attachment in vitro as well as decreased fibrous capsule formation in vivo when compared to poly(L-lactic acid) control. This suggests the potential applicability of this material as an elastomer for cardiac tissue engineered constructs. Furthermore, the highly elastic polyester could be molded and photocrosslinked into a complex mesh structure with feature size on the order of tens of micrometers, demonstrating utility in cardiac tissue engineering constructs.
