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Updated: May 13, 2026

Synthesis of Soft Polysiloxane-urea Elastomers for Intraocular Lens Application
Published on: March 8, 2019
Thermoplastic polyurethanes from undecylenic acid-based soft segments: structural features and release properties.
Cristina Lluch1, Gerard Lligadas, Joan C Ronda
1Departament de Química Analítica i Química Orgànica, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, C/Marcel.lí Domingo s/n, 43007 Tarragona, Spain.
New thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs) were synthesized using undecylenic acid-derived diols. Their properties were tuned by soft segment molecular weight and hard segment content, showing potential for biomedical applications.
Area of Science:
- Polymer Chemistry
- Materials Science
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs) are versatile polymers with tunable properties.
- Developing novel TPUs for biomedical applications requires understanding structure-property relationships.
- Undecylenic acid offers a renewable source for polymer synthesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize and characterize novel thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs).
- To investigate the influence of soft segment molecular weight and hard segment content on TPU properties.
- To evaluate the potential of these TPUs for biomedical applications, including drug delivery.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of TPUs using undecylenic acid-derived telechelic diols and conventional hard segments.
- Comprehensive characterization using NMR, FTIR, SEC, DSC, TGA, and tensile testing.
- Evaluation of hydrolytic degradation, biocompatibility with human fibroblasts, and drug delivery performance.
Main Results:
- Successful synthesis and characterization of a series of TPUs.
- Demonstrated significant influence of diol molecular weight and hard segment content on physical and mechanical properties.
- Promising results in hydrolytic degradation, biocompatibility, and drug delivery carrier performance.
Conclusions:
- The synthesized TPUs exhibit tunable properties based on their composition.
- These materials show significant potential for use in biomedical applications.
- Further research into drug delivery systems utilizing these novel TPUs is warranted.
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