Polyurethanes for Scaffolds

Tissue engineering is a technique for mimicking nature where a synthetic polymeric scaffold populated with living cells and signalling molecules works as an engineered tissue construct. In view of this, biodegradable polyurethane (PU) scaffolds with great flexibility and softness combined with strong mechanical strength makes the PU scaffolds as promising candidates for tissue repair and regeneration. This chapter presents an exhaustive summary of the most recent accomplishments relating to the synthesis and principle of PU scaffolds, design and fabrication technologies of PU scaffolds, and the use of PU scaffolds in a variety of tissue engineering applications. The chapter also elaborates the applications of PUs and modified PUs for shape memory applications. At the end of the chapter, a special emphasis has been placed on discussing the quick findings and future potential of PU scaffolds for tissue engineering. We looked into every avenue to put up this chapter and provide the readers with enough material, including research papers, reviews, books, book chapters, and Google sites.