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Neutrophil-mediated degradation of segmented polyurethanes
R S Labow1, D J Erfle, J P Santerre
1Cardiovascular Devices Division, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa Civic Hospital, ON, Canada.
Biomaterials
|January 1, 1995
Summary
Polyurethanes were tested for biostability using human neutrophils. A polyester urea-urethane showed significant cell-mediated degradation, unlike polyether-based polyurethanes, indicating material chemistry impacts polymer breakdown.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Polyurethanes are widely used in medical devices.
- Assessing the biostability and degradation of polyurethanes is crucial for their safe application.
- Human neutrophils can influence the degradation of implanted materials.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the biostability of various polyurethane formulations.
- To investigate the role of human neutrophils in polyurethane degradation.
- To determine how polymer chemistry affects susceptibility to cell-mediated degradation.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of 14C radiolabeled polyurethanes with varying chemistries.
- Incubation of polymers with human neutrophil cell cultures.
- Quantification of radiolabel release as a marker for material degradation.
- Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for cell adhesion and structural analysis.
- Measurement of elastase-like activity (ELA) in culture media.
Main Results:
- All tested polyurethanes released material into the medium, independent of cells.
- A polyester urea-urethane (TDI/PCL/ED) exhibited significant, cell-dependent radiolabel release.
- Polyether-containing polyurethanes showed no significant cell-mediated degradation.
- Neutrophils adhered to all polyurethanes, but SEM detected no structural damage.
- TDI/PCL/ED released the highest levels of elastase-like activity (ELA).
- In vitro elastase incubation confirmed enzyme-mediated degradation of TDI/PCL/ED.
Conclusions:
- Polyurethane chemistry significantly influences biostability and susceptibility to neutrophil-mediated degradation.
- Polyester-based polyurethanes, specifically TDI/PCL/ED, are more prone to degradation by neutrophil enzymes like elastase.
- Polyether-based polyurethanes demonstrate superior biostability against human neutrophil attack.
- Material selection is critical for biomedical applications to minimize adverse degradation and cellular responses.