Multiblock polyurethanes in biomedical applications: fine tuning of degradation and biomimetic properties

Biodegradable and biostable soft segment based polyurethanes (PURs) were synthesized as new polymers for medical applications. Poly(e-caprolactone) (PCL) was chosen as macrodiol for biodegradable PURs for its biodegradability and biocompatibility properties. Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and polytetramethylenoxide (PTMO) were selected as macrodiols for biostable PURs because of their high hydrolysis resistance(1). 1,6-Diisocyanatohexane (HDI) was used as diisocyanate component producing non toxic metabolytes. 1,4-Cyclohexane dimethanol (CDM), a peptide-based diammine and a lysine ethyl ester with grafted RGD peptide sequence are the chain extenders. The latter shows biomimetic properties able to promote material cellular adhesion. Chemical and mechanical characterizations of the obtained polymers highlight their suitability for applications in the cardiovascular field.