Composite materials with embedded metal organic framework catalysts for nitric oxide release from bioavailable...

Polyurethane/metal organic framework composite materials were prepared for the generation of the bioregulatory agent, nitric oxide (NO). Extruded tubing was fabricated though a 2-step compounding and extrusion method that yielded a uniform composition of the MOF catalyst in the tubing, where the MOF remained structurally robust during the extrusion process. The resulting MOF embedded polymeric tubing facilitated the generation of NO from bioavailable S-nitrosothiols. The function of the catalyst in the composite material was compared to neat catalysts. The substrate structure was found to have significant influence on the reactivity of the MOF catalyst with NO release times ranging from 1 to 16 h. The dosage of NO could be tuned based on the S-nitrosothiol employed. The ability for sustained NO release from a composite material is a promising approach for long-term biocompatibility.