Recent Advancements in Polyurethane-based Tissue Engineering

Abstract

In tissue engineering, polyurethane-based implants have gained significant traction because of their high compatibility and inertness. The implants therefore show fewer side effects and lasts longer. Also, the mechanical properties can be tuned and morphed into a particular shape, owing to which polyurethanes show immense versatility. In the last 3 years, scientists have devised methods to enhance the strength of and induce dynamic properties in polyurethanes, and these developments offer an immense opportunity to use them in tissue engineering. The focus of this review is on applications of polyurethane implants for biomedical application with detailed analysis of hard tissue implants like bone tissues and soft tissues like cartilage, muscles, skeletal tissues, and blood vessels. The synthetic routes for the preparation of scaffolds have been discussed to gain a better understanding of the issues that arise regarding toxicity. The focus here is also on concerns regarding the biocompatibility of the implants, given that the precursors and byproducts are poisonous.

Hybrid Co‐Spinning and Melt Electrowriting Approach Enables Fabrication of Heterotypic Tubular Scaffolds Resembling the Non‐Linear Mechanical Properties of Human Blood Vessels

“…Its application in blood-contacting medical equipment, such as heart valves and vascular grafts, makes it a suitable material for a TEVG. [39] In this study, a polyurethane derivate, PEU synthesized by INNOVENT e.V., features high elasticity and biodegradable motifs within the polymer that would permit the degradation of the electrospun scaffold within weeks. [40] The MEW fiber construct on the basolateral surface of the SES scaffold serves two main purposes; one is to act as a reinforcement to increase the mechanical stability of the otherwise weak SES layer, and secondly to provide contact guidance for cellular alignment.…”

Ag and MoO3 Nanoparticle-Containing Polyacrylonitrile Nanofiber Membranes for Wound Dressings

“…The change in pH can significantly increase the release of silver ions due to alterations in the citrate protonation state and its ability to form stabilizing hydrogen bonds or promote the adsorption of silver clusters onto nanoparticles surfaces, which might lead to the accelerated release of silver ions into the soluiton. 39 Under UV exposure treated sample, the release of silver ions is constant and moderate in the solution. After 7 days the release was observed around 57.89 ppm.…”

“…The samples displaying considerable inhibition zones are confirmed from previous reports. 39,46 Mechanical Properties. When wound dressings are applied, it is essential to prioritize both strength and flexibility.…”

Toward mechanically robust self-healing polyurethanes using dynamics chemistry

“…Moreover, PUs are ideal materials for heart valves, but they also have some shortcomings such as poor biological stability and easy calcification, so it is necessary to regulate their composition to improve their properties. [130][131][132] PU fibers prepared by solution electrospinning are ideal functional materials for making drug-sustained-release and tissue scaffolds. 133 The development of tissue engineering technology not only solves the problem of insufficient blood vessel transplantation but also provides a new method for artificial skin transplantation.…”