Materials for peripheral nerve regeneration

Recent efforts in scientific research in the field of peripheral nerve regeneration have been directed towards the development of artificial nerve guides. We have studied various materials with the aim of obtaining a biocompatible and biodegradable two layer guide for nerve repair. The candidate materials for use as an external layer for the nerve guides were poly(caprolactone) (PCL), a biosynthetic blend between PCL and chitosan (CS) and a synthesised poly(ester-urethane) (PU). Blending PCL, which is a biocompatible synthetic polymer, with a natural polymer enhanced the system biocompatibility and biomimetics, fastened the degradation rates and reduced the production costs. Various novel block poly(ester-urethane)s are being synthesised by our group with tailored properties for specific tissue engineering applications. One of these poly(ester-urethane)s, based on a low molecular weight poly(caprolactone) as the macrodiol, cycloesandimethanol as the chain extender and hexamethylene diisocyanate as the chain linker, was investigated for the production of melt extruded nerve guides. We studied natural polymers such as gelatin (G), poly(L-lysine) (PL) and blends between chitosan and gelatin (CS/G) as internal coatings for nerve guides. In vitro and in vivo tests were performed on PCL guides internally coated either with G or PL to determine the differences in the quality of nerve regeneration associated with the type of adhesion protein. CS/G natural blends combined the good cell adhesion properties of the protein phase with the ability to promote nerve regeneration of the polysaccharide phase. Natural blends were crosslinked both by physical and chemical crosslinking methods. In vitro neuroblast adhesion tests were performed on CS/G film samples, PCL/CS and PU guides internally coated with G to evaluate the ability of such materials towards nerve repair.     

Fabrication of graphene‐silver/polyurethane nanofibrous scaffolds for cardiac tissue engineering

The graphene‐based nanocomposites are considered as great candidates for enhancing electrical and mechanical properties of nonconductive scaffolds in cardiac tissue engineering. In this study, reduced graphene oxide‐silver (rGO‐Ag) nanocomposites (1 and 2 wt%) were synthesized and incorporated into polyurethane (PU) nanofibers via electrospinning technique. Next, the human cardiac progenitor cells (hCPCs) were seed on these scaffolds for in vitro studies. The rGO‐Ag nanocomposites were studied by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscope (TEM). After incorporation of rGO‐Ag into PU nanofibers, the related characterizations were carried out including scanning electron microscope (SEM), TEM, water contact angle, and mechanical properties. Furthermore, PU and PU/nanocomposites scaffolds were used for in vitro studies, wherein hCPCs showed good cytocompatibility via 3‐(4, 5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and considerable attachment on the scaffold using SEM studies. Real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and immunostaining studies confirmed the upregulation of cardiac specific genes including GATA‐4, T‐box 18 (TBX 18), cardiac troponin T (cTnT), and alpha‐myosin heavy chain (α‐MHC) in the PU/rGO‐Ag scaffolds in comparison with neat PU ones. Therefore, these nanofibrous rGO‐Ag–reinforced PU scaffolds can be considered as suitable candidates in cardiac tissue engineering.     

The potential of biomimetic nanofibrous electrospun scaffold comprising dual component for bone tissue engineering

Oils play a putative choice for alleviating various symptoms associated with bone-related disorders. In this present study, polyurethane (PU) scaffold encompassing with Mahua oil (MO) and propolis (PP) were developed using the electrospinning technique. Morphological analysis showed the reduction in the diameter of the electrospun scaffold with blending of MO and MO/PP into the PU matrix. The strong interactions between PU, MO, and PP were evident through the infrared spectrum and thermal analysis. The wettability results showed the hydrophobic nature in electrospun PU/MO scaffold and hydrophilic behavior in electrospun PU/MO/PP scaffold. Mechanical testing indicated the enhancement in the strength of the PU due to the addition of MO and PP. Moreover, the fabricated scaffolds exhibited nontoxicity, low hemoglobin release and improved blood clotting time as evident in the coagulation studies. The cell proliferation studies showed the enhanced fibroblast cell adhesion in the developed nanocomposites than the pristine PU. Hence, the fabricated PU scaffolds blended with MO and PP having desirable properties can serve as a valuable candidate for bone tissue repair.     

PAM-microfabricated polyurethane scaffolds: in vivo and in vitro preliminary studies

Polymeric scaffolds were realised with linear degradable PU in the form of square, hexagonal and octagonal grids. They were characterised in terms of their mechanical properties. Analysis shows that the mechanical properties of the scaffolds depend on their geometries which are easily modulated using PAM. In vitro biological assays showed that PU promotes the adhesion and proliferation of fibroblast cells and that cell activities are better on PU scaffolds than on PU films. In vivo implantation of PU and PLGA scaffolds and PU films demonstrated that the scaffolds are completely resorbed after three months with a slight inflammatory response, while the PU film was still present after six months with an intense granulomatous reaction.     

Curcumin‐loaded biodegradable polyurethane scaffolds modified with gelatin using 3D printing technology for cartilage tissue engineering

We described the curcumin‐loaded biodegradable polyurethane (PU) scaffolds modified with gelatin based on three‐dimensional (3D) printing technology for potential application of cartilage regeneration. The printing solution of poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) triol (polyol) and hexamethylene diisocyanate (HMDI) in 2,2,2‐trifluoroethanol was printed through a nozzle in dimethyl sulfoxide phase with or without gelatin. The weight ratio of HMDI against PCL triol was varied as 3, 5, and 7 in order to evaluate its effect on the mechanical properties and biodegradation rate. A higher ratio of HMDI resulted in higher mechanical properties and a lower biodegradation rate. The use of gelatin increased the mechanical properties, biodegradation rate, and curcumin release due to the surface cross‐linking, nanoporous structure, and surface hydrophilicity of the scaffolds. In vitro study revealed that the released curcumin enhanced the proliferation and differentiation of chondrocyte. The 3D‐printed biodegradable PU scaffold modified with gelatin should thus be considered as a potential candidate for cartilage regeneration.     

Enhanced mechanical and shape memory properties of polyurethane block copolymers chain-extended by ethylene diamine

Effect on shape memory and mechanical properties of polyurethane (PU) copolymers by changing the chain extender from 1,4-butanediol (BD) to ethylenediamine (ED) was investigated. PU copolymers composed of the different ratio of hard and soft segment were prepared and characterized by IR, DSC, XRD, and UTM. Glass transition temperature of PU increased to room temperature range by adopting ED as a chain extender. The XRD peak pattern changed with hard segment content. ED type PU achieved the high mechanical properties at lower hard segment content than BD type PU. Especially, strain at break of ED type significantly improved compared to BD type. Shape recovery rates were similar for both types of PU, but ED type showed better shape retention rate than BD type. The reason for the differences between two types of PU is discussed in this paper.     

Morphology of PU/PMMA hybrid particles from miniemulsion polymerization: Thermodynamic considerations

The morphology of PU/PMMA hybrid particles prepared by miniemulsion polymerization was predicted through the consideration of their Gibbs free energy changes. Five morphological states of PU/PMMA hybrid particles were proposed and their Gibbs free energy changes were calculated. Before the formation of hybrid particles, the initial state included a monomer mixture of PU prepolymer, MMA, a chain extender, TMP, and an initiator, which was in droplets suspended in water containing SDS. Two assumptions were made. First, the densities of all states were the same. Secondly, secondary nucleation of particles was negligible. Thus the size of initial droplet and final particle was unchanged through miniemulsion polymerization. The interfacial tensions were measured by a pendant drop method and were used for calculation. The preferred morphology of PU/PMMA hybrid particle had the minimum value of ΔG_phase. Different NCO/OH ratios of PU and initiators of MMA were used to study the morphological change of PU/PMMA hybrid particles. When BD was used as the chain extender of PU, the hybrid particles showed the PU‐rich phase as the shell and PMMA‐rich as the core. When incorporating bisphenol A into PU polymer, the homogeneous structure of hybrid particle was preferred. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 45: 3359–3369, 2007     

Investigation of covalently colored polyurethane latexes based on novel anthraquinone polyurethane chain extenders

Novel red and yellow polyurethane (PU) chain extenders with one anthraquinone chromophore and two hydroxyls were synthesized, and then used to fabricate covalently colored PU latexes with pendent chromophores on the PU backbone. The chemical structures of the chain extenders were characterized by ¹H-NMR and FTIR, and the properties of PU latexes and their films were investigated by UV-Vis absorption spectra, particle size analysis, FTIR, Soxhlet's extraction and xenon arc aging testing. Results showed that the covalently colored PUs had the same UV-Vis absorption behavior as the corresponding chain extenders, and amount of the chain extenders had no obvious influence on the latex preparation process and the resulted latex colloidal properties. Compared with the corresponding non-covalently colored PU latex films, both the light fastness and the solvent fastness of the covalently colored PU latex films were significantly enhanced by the covalent incorporation of chromophores with PU matrix.     

Synthesis and properties of biodegradable polycaprolactone/polyurethanes using fluoro chain extenders

In this study, biodegradable fluorine‐containing polyurethanes (PU/OFHD) were synthesized using 4,4'‐diphenylmethane diisocyanate, polycaprolactone diol (PCL), and 2,2,3,3,4,4,5,5,‐octafluoro‐1,6‐hexanediol (OFHD). PCL is a biodegradable soft segment, and OFHD is a fluoro chain extender. In addition, other polyurethanes (PU/HD) were synthesized using 4,4'‐diphenylmethane diisocyanate, PCL, and another chain extender [i.e., 1,6‐hexanediol (HD)] for comparison. Gel permeation chromatography analysis indicated that the molecular weight of PU/OFHD is greater than that of PU/HD. ¹⁹F nuclear magnetic resonance analysis revealed that the OFHD chain extender was successfully incorporated into the backbone of PU. According to Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses, strong interactions between the C=O and CF₂ groups in PU/OFHD exist. Based on thermal analysis, PU/OFHD exhibited an initial decomposition temperature that was 6.5–7.9°C higher than that of PU/HD. Differential scanning calorimetry and dynamic mechanical analysis analyses indicated that both the glass transition (Tg) and dynamic Tg of PU/OFHD are higher than those of PU/HD. Mechanical property analysis demonstrated that the tensile strength of PU/OFHD is higher than that of PU/HD. Moreover, PU/OFHD exhibited better chemical resistance than PU/HD. The scanning electron microscope images indicated that both PU/HD and PU/OFHD exhibited higher hydrolytic degradation at a higher PCL content. However, PU/OFHD is less degradable than PU/HD. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Structural, thermal and morphological properties of aqueous hybrid emulsion of silylated poly (urethane)/organic modified montmorillonite nanocomposites based on a new silicone and imide ring containing vinylic macromonomer

A new silicone and imide ring containing vinylic macromonomer, N-trimethylsiloxyethyltrimellitilimidomethacrylate (TMSETMIM), has been synthesized for the formulation of waterborne polyurethane (PU). A vinyl group containing silicone, the (3-methacryloyloxypropyl) trimethoxysilane (MPTMS) was used for comparison of the effects of silicone type with TMSETMIM on the PU. Then, a series of new siliconized PU hybrid nanocomposites, were successfully synthesized by the emulsion polymerization in the presence of organic modified montmorillonite (OMMT) and an aqueous PU dispersion using ammonium peroxodisulfate (APS) as an initiator. The PU dispersion was synthesized by a polyaddition reaction of hexamethylene diisocyanate (HMDI), on polypropylene glycol (PPG-1000) and dimethylol propionic acid (DMPA) as a chain extender. The obtained NCO chain ends reacted with water (which acts as a further chain extender producing some urea bonds). The structural elucidation of monomer was carried out by FTIR, ¹H-NMR, and ¹³C-NMR spectroscopic techniques. The copolymers were also characterized by using FTIR. Thermal properties of the copolymers were studied by using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The morphologies of the copolymers were characterized with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transition electron microscopy (TEM) and then the effects of silicone concentrations on the water absorption ratio was examined. The formed film from the hybrid emulsion containing TMSETMIM could provide obviously higher water-resistance property in comparison with MPTMS. Also, the heat stability increases while the T _g decreased.     

侧链为光敏感基团的可生物降解聚氨酯的合成及表征

设计合成2-甲基-2-肉桂酰氧甲基-1,3-丙二醇(MCO)作为扩链剂,并以聚乳酸二醇(PLA diol)为软段,异佛尔酮二异氰酸酯(IPDI)和MCO为硬段制备了一系列侧链含有肉桂基团的可生物降解聚氨酯.结果表明MCO具有较高的反应活性,可满足制备高分子量聚氨酯的要求.聚氨酯结构中的肉桂双键可在紫外光和光引发剂的共同作用下,发生快速的交联反应,短时间内形成交联结构.软段结构相同时,凝胶含量随MCO含量的增加而增加.硬段结构相同时,凝胶含量随软段分子量的增加而减少.适度的交联可提高拉伸强度和形变回复率.     

Fabrication and characterization of polyurethane patch loaded with palmarosa and cobalt nitrate for cardiac tissue engineering

Cardiac patches are attractive option in overcoming the morbidities associated with cardiac disorders. Nanofibrous scaffolds were fabricated using polyurethane (PU) added with palmarosa (PR) and cobalt nitrate (CoNO₃) using an electrospinning technique. Several characterizations were employed namely field emission scanning electron microscopy, wettability measurement, attenuated total reflectance infrared spectroscopy, thermal analysis, surface roughness measurements, and tensile testing. Further, biological response of the electrospun nanofibers were tested through coagulation study and MTS assay. As-spun composite mats showed smaller fibers than pure PU as depicted in morphology analysis. The interaction of PU with PR and CoNO₃ was confirmed in infrared spectrum and thermal analysis. The incorporation of the PR decreased the wettability and while CoNO₃ addition resulted in the hydrophilic nature as depicted in the contact angle measurements. Mechanical properties testing showed that elongation at break for the pristine PU was increased with the addition of PR and CoNO_3. The surface measurements depicted that the incorporation of PR resulted in the improvement of the surface roughness while the addition of CoNO₃ reduced the surface roughness of the pristine PU. The electrospun nanocomposites showed delayed blood clotting time compared to the pristine PU as shown in coagulation study. Both composites supported the better proliferation of fibroblast cells than pure PU. Therefore, novel composites with smaller fiber diameter, hydrophilicity, better mechanical properties, improved blood compatibility parameters, and good cell viability rates would be a promising candidate for cardiac tissue engineering.     

Incorporation of polydimethylsiloxane into polyurethanes and characterization of copolymers

Novel copolymers of polyurethane (PU) were prepared by direct transurethanetion reaction of a commercial PU with polydimethylsiloxanes (PDMS, MW 1000, 5000, and 10,000) containing hydroxyl end-groups. Transurethanetions with different mass ratios of hydrophobic PDMS to hydrophilic PU chains (PDMS1000–PU: 43:57, 67:33, 71:29, and 80:20; PDMS5000–PU: 37:63, and 51:49; PDMS10000–PU: 51:49) were carried out in solution at 65 and 100 °C. In catalyzed reactions, dibutyltin dilaurate (SnC₃₂H₆₄O₄) was used to promote bond breaking in the PU chain and accelerate the reaction between hydroxyl end-groups of PDMS and regenerated isocyanates of PU. The chemical structures of the prepared copolymers were comprehensively characterized by ¹H, ¹³C, and ²⁹Si NMR spectroscopies. According to elemental analysis, the content of PDMS varied between 3 wt.% and 16 wt.%, and results obtained from the ¹H NMR spectroscopy were in good agreement with the results of elemental analysis. Increased length of the hydrophobic chain increased the content of PDMS in the copolymer. The GPC results showed that molar masses of the PUPDMS copolymers were lower than the molar mass of the starting PU. The glass transitions (T_g) of the copolymers were shifted to lower temperature as compared with T_g of the starting polyurethane. ATR FTIR spectroscopy showed the surface of the copolymer films to be enriched with siloxane groups and, according to electron microscopy, it was textured with microspheres. The static contact angles for copolymer films measured with deionized water ranged from 94° to 117°. The different structural, thermal and surface properties of the PUPDMS copolymers as compared with PU indicated that transurethanetion had taken place.     

组织工程用聚氨酯的研究进展

聚氨酯具有良好的生物相容性、优异的力学性能、易成型加工、性能可控等优点，这使它在组织工程中有广泛应用。本文讨论硬段、软段、扩链剂的选择对组织工程用聚氨酯的性能和微相分离影响，并展望了组织工程用聚氨酯的发展方向。     

5-Hydroxymethyl-2'-deoxyuridine. Cytotoxicity and DNA incorporation studied by using a novel [2-14C]-derivative with normal and leukemic human hematopoietic cells

5-Hydroxymethyl-2'-deoxyuridine is a biologically active thymidine analogue. This investigation was aimed at characterizing the cytotoxicity of 5-hydroxymethyl-2'-deoxyuridine and its incorporation into DNA. Fifty percent inhibition of cellular proliferation, assessed by incorporation of [U-14C]-L-leucine in vitro, was caused by 1.7-5.8 X 10(-5) incorporation of [U-14C]-L-leucine in vitro, was caused by 1.7-5.8 X 10(-5) M 5-hydroxymethyl-2'-deoxyuridine in seven human leukemia cell lines. Higher concentrations of 5-hydroxymethyl-2'-deoxyuridine, i.e. 6-8 X 10(-5) M, were required for a comparable inhibition in human PHA-stimulated peripheral blood lymphocytes. A new synthesis procedure for [2-14C]5-hydroxymethyl-2'-deoxyuridine was developed. The net incorporation of [2-14C]5-hydroxymethyl-2'-deoxyuridine into DNA of hematopoietic cells was low. The possibility of a repair mechanism for 5-hydroxymethyluracil bound to DNA is discussed.     

Glass transition and thermal degradation of rigid polyurethane foams derived from castor oil–molasses polyols

Rigid polyurethane (PU) foams having saccharide and castor oil structures in the molecular chain were prepared by reaction between reactive alcoholic hydroxyl group and isocyanate. The apparent density of PU foams was in a range from 0.05 to 0.15 g cm^?3. Thermal properties of the above polyurethane foams were studied by differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetry and thermal conductivity measurement. Glass transitions were observed in two steps. The low-temperature side glass transition was observed at around 220 K, regardless of castor oil content. This transition is attributed to the molecular motion of alkyl chain groups of castor oil. The high-temperature side glass transition observed in the temperature range from 350 to 390 K depends on the amount of molasses polyol content. The high-temperature side glass transition is attributed to the molecular motion of saccharides, such as sucrose, glucose, fructose as well as isocyanate phenyl rings, which act as rigid components. Thermal decomposition was observed in two steps at 570 and 620–670 K. Thermal conductivity was observed at around 0.032 J sec^?1 m^?1 K^?1. Compression strength and modulus of PU foams were obtained by mechanical test. It was confirmed that the thermal and mechanical properties of PU foams could be controlled by changing the mixing ratio of castor oil and molasses for suitable practical applications.     

Adsorption and immobilization of cytochrome c on nanodiamonds

Methods have been developed to immobilize proteins onto the surfaces ofnanodiamonds with an average size of 5 +/- 1 nm. The immobilization started with carboxylation/oxidization of diamonds with strong acids, followed by coating the surfaces with poly-L-lysine (PL) for covalent attachment of proteins using heterobifunctional cross-linkers. The feasibility of this approach is proven with fluorescent labeling of the PL-coated diamonds by Alexa Fluor 488 and subsequent detection of the emission using a confocal fluorescence microscope. Immobilization of proteins onto the surfaces is also demonstrated with yeast cytochrome c, which possesses a free SH group for linkage and a characteristic Soret absorption band for observation.     

Miscibility and properties of polyurethane/benzyl starch semi‐interpenetrating polymer networks

We successfully prepared a series of transparent materials with semi‐interpenetrating polymer networks (semi‐IPNs) from castor‐oil‐based polyurethane (PU) and benzyl starch (BS). The miscibility, morphology, and properties of the semi‐IPN films were investigated with attenuated total reflection/Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, dynamic mechanical thermal analysis, scanning electron microscopy, wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction, electron spin resonance (ESR), ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, and tensile testing. The results revealed that the semi‐IPN films had good or certain miscibility with BS concentrations of 5–70 wt % because of the strong intermolecular interactions between PU and BS. With an increase in the concentration of BS, the tensile strength and Young's modulus of the semi‐IPN materials increased. The ESR data confirmed that the segment volume of PU in the semi‐IPNs increased with the addition of BS; that is, the chain stiffness increased as a result of strong interactions between PU and BS macromolecules. It was concluded that starch derivatives containing benzyl groups in the side chains more easily penetrated the PU networks to form semi‐IPNs than those containing aliphatic groups, and this led to improved properties. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 43: 603–615, 2005     

Bio-based photo-curable polyurethane composites

Polyurethane (PU) covers a range of applications in wearable circuits, coating materials, foaming industries, surgical equipments, packing materials and replacement of plastic materials. As per broad applications spectrum, huge data on PU synthesis has been reported so far, with different types of polyols, isocyanates, organic acids, acrylates with different chain extenders, catalysts, emulsifiers and/or PI. In this review, for a comprehensive study of structure-activity relationship, data from last 5 years has been compiled for photo-curable PU categorized on the basis of solvent as well as acrylate components. In this review a range of parameters including tensile strength, hardness, flexibility, hydrophobicity/hydrophilicity, solvent resistance, storage/young's modulus, shape recovery, viscosity, curing kinetics and thermal stability has been compared against composition.     

含有双酚A链段的聚氨酯网络研究

首先合成与表征了一种含有双酚A结构的多元醇,通过添加这种多元醇至聚氧化丙烯聚醚多元醇中合成了含有双酚A链段的聚氨酯网络。通过DSC、FTIR和SEM等方法考察了这类聚氨酯网络的结构形态,研究结果表明,PU网络中的双酚A链段与聚氧化丙烯链段不相容,而且破坏了PU硬段的有序化结构。在聚氧化丙烯聚醚多元醇中添加5－10phr双酚A结构的多醇就能显著地提高聚氨酯网络的拉伸强度、弹性模量和断裂伸长率。