Preparation and characterization of titanium-segmented polyurethane composites for bone tissue engineering.

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Segmented polyurethanes (SPUs) are versatile biomaterials.
• Titanium (Ti) particles are explored for enhancing SPU properties.
• Biocompatibility assessment is crucial for SPU applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize Ti-filled SPUs.
• To evaluate the physicochemical and mechanical properties of these composites.
• To assess the biocompatibility of Ti-filled SPUs using stem cells and osteoblasts.

Main Methods:

• SPUs synthesized using polycaprolactone diol, 4,4-methylene-bis cyclohexyl diisocyanate, and L-glutamine.
• Composites fabricated with 1-5 wt.% Ti particles.
• Physicochemical characterization via differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction.
• Mechanical testing (tensile strength, strain).
• Biocompatibility assessed using human dental pulp stem cells and mouse osteoblasts.

Main Results:

• Composites retained SPU semicrystalline properties (Tg: -35°C to -45°C, Tm: 52°C, crystallinity ~40%).
• Ti particles did not act as nucleating sites.
• Tensile strength and maximum strain decreased with increasing Ti content (1.9 MPa to 1.2 MPa and 670% to 172%).
• Mechanical behavior showed less difference at higher strain rates.
• Ti addition improved cell viability for both cell types up to 10 days.

Conclusions:

• Ti-filled SPUs maintain core material properties.
• Mechanical strength is reduced, but cell viability is enhanced.
• These Ti-filled SPUs show promise for biomedical applications requiring improved biocompatibility.