Surface characterization of biopolyurethanes based on cellulose derivatives

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Surface Chemistry
• Biomaterials Engineering

Background:

• Biopolyurethanes derived from cellulose are promising biomaterials.
• Understanding surface properties is crucial for biomedical applications.
• Surface tension and morphology influence biomaterial-tissue interactions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate surface tension parameters and morphology of cellulose-based biopolyurethane films.
• To evaluate the effect of high-frequency (HF) cold plasma treatment on these properties.
• To assess the potential of modified biopolyurethanes for biomedical applications, specifically as thromboresistant devices.

Main Methods:

• Surface tension analysis using geometric mean (Owens and Wendt, Rabel and Kälble) and Lifshitz-van der Waals acid/base (van Oss) approaches.
• Quantitative structure-property relationship (QSPR) methods.
• High-frequency (HF) cold plasma treatment.
• Protein adsorption tests (fibrinogen).

Main Results:

• The polar component significantly contributes to the total surface tension due to electron donor interactions.
• HF cold plasma treatment effectively modifies the surface energy, polarity, and hydrophilicity of biopolyurethanes.
• The hydrophilic/hydrophobic balance was quantitatively assessed via free energy of hydration.
• Protein adsorption studies indicated potential for thromboresistant applications.

Conclusions:

• HF cold plasma treatment offers a viable method to tune the surface properties of cellulose-based biopolyurethanes.
• The observed changes in surface energy and hydrophilicity are beneficial for creating thromboresistant biomaterials.
• These modified biopolyurethanes show promise for use in biomedical devices requiring reduced blood clot formation.