Development of Arg-Based Biodegradable Poly(ester urea) Urethanes and Its Biomedical Application for Bone Repair

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Tissue Engineering

Background:

• Thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs) are widely used in tissue engineering due to tunable properties.
• Existing TPUs have limitations in cytocompatibility and biological activity due to hydrophobicity and lack of active groups.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize arginine-based biodegradable poly(ester urea) urethanes (PEUUs) to enhance TPU properties.
• To evaluate the efficacy of PEUUs and their composites with halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) for bone tissue regeneration.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of an amino-terminated bis(L-arginine) alkylene diester extender (L-Arg-8).
• Design and characterization of PEUUs with varying arginine content using PCL as soft segments.
• In vitro studies with human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) and in vivo assessment using a rat cranial defect model.

Main Results:

• Arginine incorporation improved biodegradability, hydrophilicity, and surface charge of TPUs.
• PEUUs demonstrated enhanced cytocompatibility, supporting hDPSC adhesion, growth, and proliferation.
• PEUU/HNT composites significantly promoted osteogenic differentiation of hDPSCs and enhanced bone repair in vivo, with A8-1.2 6% HNTs showing optimal results.

Conclusions:

• Arginine-based PEUUs offer improved biomaterial characteristics for tissue engineering.
• PEUU/HNT composites show significant potential for promoting bone regeneration and osteointegration.