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Recent Advances in Polyurethane Polymer for Biomedical Applications.
Amol D Gholap1,2, Rushikesh P Said3, Pankaj R Khuspe4
1Department of Pharmaceutics, St. John Institute of Pharmacy and Research, Palghar, Maharashtra 401404, India.
Molecular Pharmaceutics
|October 28, 2025
Summary
Polyurethanes (PUs) offer tunable properties for biomedical uses. Research is exploring sustainable PUs to overcome challenges like biodegradability and biocompatibility for future medical innovations.
Area of Science:
- Polymer Science and Biomaterials Engineering
Background:
- Polyurethanes (PUs) are highly versatile polymers with adaptable properties, making them suitable for numerous biomedical applications.
- Advancements in polymerization and surface modification techniques have significantly enhanced the functionality of PUs for specialized uses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the synthesis, chemistry, and surface modification of polyurethanes.
- To provide an overview of commercially available PUs, patents, and their diverse biomedical applications.
- To highlight recent progress, challenges, and future trends in PU-based biomaterials.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of scientific publications, patents, and market analyses.
- Synthesis and characterization of PU materials.
- Evaluation of PU properties for biomedical applications.
Main Results:
- PUs are utilized in coatings, implants, tissue engineering, drug delivery, and cardiovascular devices.
- Recent progress focuses on biocompatibility, degradation, and market trends.
- Challenges include biodegradability, long-term biocompatibility, mechanical limits, and bacterial colonization.
Conclusions:
- Polyurethanes possess significant advantages for biomedical applications.
- Addressing challenges in biodegradability and biocompatibility is crucial for future development.
- Sustainable and biodegradable PU formulations hold promise for next-generation medical innovations.
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