Elastomeric Polyurethane Foams Incorporated with Nanosized Hydroxyapatite Fillers for Plastic Reconstruction

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Tissue Engineering

Background:

• Craniomaxillofacial reconstruction requires advanced biomaterials.
• Existing materials often lack ideal mechanical and biological properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel porous elastomer composite for plastic reconstruction.
• To evaluate the physicochemical, mechanical, and biological properties of the composite.

Main Methods:

• Synthesized aliphatic polyurethane (PU) and nanosized hydroxyapatite (n-HA) composite foam.
• Characterized properties using IR, XRD, SEM-EDX, TEM, thermal analysis, mechanical tests, and XPS.
• Assessed biocompatibility and cell interaction with rat-bone-marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs).

Main Results:

• The n-HA/PU composite exhibited good elasticity, flexibility, and supporting strength.
• Homogeneous dispersion of n-HA within the PU matrix and uniform porous structure were confirmed.
• The material demonstrated no cytotoxicity, enhanced BMSC proliferation and attachment, and promoted bone integration and tissue regeneration in vivo.

Conclusions:

• The elastomeric and bioactive n-HA/PU composite foam is a promising candidate for craniomaxillofacial reconstruction.
• The n-HA fillers enhance cell infiltration and tissue regeneration.
• This novel material addresses the need for ideal reconstructive biomaterials.