Characterisation of Poly(trimethylene carbonate) and f-BTI2g-TVTCN blends for the use in Biosensors

Abstract: This report aims to study the degradation of poly(trimethylene carbonate) (PTMC) caused by the enzyme carboxylesterase in vitro. As well as to characterise polymer blends of f-BTI2g-TVTCN and poly(3-hydroxybutyric acid) as core components for organic electrochemical transistors (OETCs). This is to assess the suitability of these polymers in biodegradable biosensors. The degradation study of PTMC showed a lack of degradation in contrast to previous studies performed on the material; previous studies recorded a mass loss of between (5-8)% after two months. The cause for this discrepancy is still unknown but the evidence points to both systematic faults in the gravimetric analysis as well as random errors found in the equipment. The OECT showed that increasing the PHB fraction in the polymer blend resulted in a higher output. The most stable device consisted of a 1:6 blend of f-BTI2g-TVTCN to PHB. Fewer tests were conducted on the 1:10 blend because two devices were damaged during the experiment. The statistical impact of the smaller sample size cannot be overstated so further testing should be conducted to verify the results.