Development and Study of Biocompatible Polyurethane-Based Polymer-Metallic Nanocomposites

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Biotechnology
• Polymer Chemistry

Background:

• Investigated polymer nanocomposites with high optical and mechanical characteristics.
• Focused on sorption ability for signal enhancement and shape retention.
• Addressed the need for non-toxic and biocompatible materials in medicine and biology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop polymer nanocomposites with tunable functional parameters for bio-applications.
• To create biocompatible materials with specific optical, mechanical, and sorption properties.
• To assess the non-toxicity and microorganism interaction of novel nanocomposites.

Main Methods:

• Synthesized polymer nanocomposites using urethane-acrylate monomers and various nanoparticles (gold, silicon oxides, zinc, titanium oxides).
• Evaluated mechanical properties (microhardness) and wettability (contact angle).
• Assessed biological properties including toxicity and microorganism sorption.

Main Results:

• Material properties like microhardness and contact angle are influenced by monomer and nanoparticle composition.
• Demonstrated non-toxicity of the developed polymer nanocomposites.
• Showcased controllable microorganism adhesion on the material surface by altering composition.

Conclusions:

• The developed polymer nanocomposites are prospective for bio-applications due to their biocompatibility and non-toxicity.
• Tunable microorganism sorption, dependent on bacterial type, monomer, and nanoparticle composition, was achieved.
• The materials offer a versatile platform for creating novel biocompatible sensors and materials.