Synthesis and characterization of novel h‐HTBN/PEG PU copolymers: effect of surface properties on hemocompatibility

This work reported the hydrophilicity, hemocompatibility, and cytotoxicity of novel polyurethane (PU) scaffolds for tissue engineering, especially the hydrolysis effect of a soft‐segmented component, a hydrolytically‐modified hydroxyl‐terminated poly(butadiene‐co‐acrylonitrile) (h‐HTBN), on these properties. The PU copolymers were prepared by coupling poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) with the h‐HTBN together with the help of 1,1‐methylene bis‐(4‐isocyanatocyclohexane) as a bridging reagent. The structure of PU copolymers was characterized by Fourier transformation infrared spectrometry (FTIR). The experimental results indicated that the hydrolytically‐modified HTBN increases water absorption and decreases water contact angles, improving surface hydrophilicity. The synthesized h‐HTBN/PEG PU copolymers display low hemolysis activity, and a little amount of platelet adhesion and activation, implying good compatibility. The methyl tretrazolium (MTT) assays elicited that the cytotoxicity is related to the component ratios of h‐HTBN to PEG and the hydrolysis modification of HTBN. The PU scaffolds can be employed as potential candidates for blood contacting applications. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.