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Poly(carbonate urethane) and poly(ether urethane) biodegradation: in vivo studies
Elizabeth M Christenson1, Mahrokh Dadsetan, Michael Wiggins
1Center for Applied Polymer Research, and Department of Macomolecular Science, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, USA.
Journal of Biomedical Materials Research. Part A
|May 6, 2004
Summary
Poly(carbonate urethanes) (PCUs) show improved biostability over poly(ether urethanes) (PEUs) in medical devices. However, this study reveals PCUs are also susceptible to biodegradation by cellular agents, highlighting the need for further research.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Medical Device Engineering
Background:
- Medical-grade polyurethanes (PUs) require enhanced biostability for improved performance in medical devices.
- Poly(carbonate urethanes) (PCUs) are investigated as alternatives to poly(ether urethanes) (PEUs) due to their superior oxidative stability.
- Existing research suggests improved in vivo biostability of PCUs over PEUs, but degradation mechanisms require further validation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of soft segment chemistry on the phase morphology, mechanical properties, and in vivo response of poly(ether urethanes) (PEUs) and poly(carbonate urethanes) (PCUs).
- To evaluate the biodegradation susceptibility of PCUs in vivo, comparing it to established PEUs.
Main Methods:
- Material characterization using dynamic mechanical testing and infrared spectroscopy.
- In vivo biostability and biocompatibility assessment via subcutaneous cage implantation.
- In vitro cell culture experiments with monocytes.
- Analysis of explanted samples using attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy.
Main Results:
- PCUs exhibited enhanced phase separation compared to PEUs.
- PCUs demonstrated a higher modulus and reduced elongation due to decreased soft segment flexibility.
- Both PEUs and PCUs supported monocyte adhesion, differentiation, and foreign body giant cell formation.
- Evidence of chain scission and crosslinking was observed in both PEUs and PCUs, indicating biodegradation susceptibility in PCUs.
Conclusions:
- While PCUs offer potential advantages in biostability, they are susceptible to biodegradation initiated by cellular agents.
- The study underscores the necessity of thoroughly evaluating and understanding the biodegradation mechanisms of PCUs for medical applications.
- Further research is crucial to elucidate the degradation pathways of PCUs and optimize their long-term performance in vivo.