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Segmented Polyurethanes Based on Adipate and Sebacate Biodegradable Polyesters for Use as Nerve Guide Conduits in
Alexis B Sabido-Barahona1, Rossana F Vargas-Coronado1, Fernando Hernández-Sánchez1
1Materials Department, Centro de Investigación Científica de Yucatán, A. C., Calle 43 No. 130 x 32 y 34, Col. Chuburná de Hidalgo, Merida 97205, Yucatan, Mexico.
Researchers developed novel biodegradable segmented polyurethanes (SPUs) using poly(adipate) and poly(sebacate) for nerve regeneration. The poly(adipate)-based SPU demonstrated promising mechanical properties, suggesting potential for nerve guidance conduits (NGCs).
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Peripheral nerve injuries require effective regeneration strategies.
- Nerve guidance conduits (NGCs) are crucial for guiding nerve regrowth.
- Biodegradable polymers offer potential for NGC applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize and characterize novel segmented polyurethanes (SPUs) using biodegradable polyester polyols.
- To evaluate the chemical, thermal, and mechanical properties of these SPUs.
- To assess their suitability as nerve guidance conduits (NGCs) for peripheral nerve regeneration.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of SPUs using 4,4' methylene-bis-cyclohexyl diisocyanate (HMDI) and biodegradable poly(adipate) (PAD) or poly(sebacate) (PSC) polyols.
- Characterization using 1H NMR, Raman, IR spectroscopy, X-ray diffractometry, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC).
- Evaluation of longitudinal tensile properties of fabricated NGCs.
Main Results:
- SPUs were successfully synthesized with verified chemical structures.
- PAD-based SPUs (SPUPAD) were amorphous, while PSC-based SPUs (SPUPSC) were semi-crystalline.
- A specific SPU formulation (PUA-PAD-2) exhibited mechanical properties comparable to extracted nerves and superior to commercial conduits, indicating potential for NGCs.
Conclusions:
- Biodegradable SPUs synthesized from PAD and PSC are promising biomaterials.
- The PUA-PAD-2 formulation shows potential for peripheral nerve regeneration applications.
- Further investigation into these SPUs could lead to advanced NGCs.
