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Block poly(ester-urethane)s based on poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-4-hydroxybutyrate) and
Zhifei Chen1, Shaoting Cheng, Kaitian Xu
1Multidisciplinary Research Center, Shantou University, Daxue Lu 243, Shantou, Guangdong 515063, China.
Biomaterials
|January 27, 2009
Summary
New poly(ester-urethane)s (PUHO) were synthesized from biodegradable polyester segments. These novel materials exhibit tunable hydrophobicity and enhanced platelet adhesion, showing promise for biomedical applications.
Area of Science:
- Polymer Chemistry
- Biomaterials Science
- Materials Engineering
Background:
- Biodegradable polymers are crucial for biomedical applications.
- Polyurethanes offer versatile properties but require tailored synthesis for specific uses.
- Understanding structure-property relationships is key for developing advanced biomaterials.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize novel block poly(ester-urethane)s (PUHO) using biodegradable polyester segments.
- To investigate the influence of composition and segment length on PUHO properties.
- To evaluate the potential of these PUHOs for biomedical applications, focusing on platelet adhesion.
Main Methods:
- Facile melt polymerization using 1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI) as a coupling agent.
- Characterization using NMR, FTIR, GPC for structure and molecular weight.
- Thermal analysis (DSC, TGA) and hydrophilicity assessment (contact angle).
Main Results:
- Synthesized poly(3/4HB-HHxHO) urethanes (PUHO) with tunable compositions and segment lengths.
- PUHOs exhibited amorphous nature (crystallinity < 6%) and glass transition temperatures (Tg) from -23°C to -3°C.
- Increased hydrophobicity (contact angle 88°–117°) and significantly higher platelet adhesion compared to raw materials and PLA/PHB.
Conclusions:
- Novel biodegradable poly(ester-urethane)s (PUHO) were successfully synthesized.
- Hydrophobicity and crystallinity are critical factors influencing platelet adhesion.
- PUHO properties, including platelet adhesion, can be precisely tailored by adjusting prepolymer composition and segment length.
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