Biomimetic polyurethanes for regenerative medicine

Degradable linear polyurethanes from non toxic building blocks were synthesized and characterized. An enzymatically degradable peptide was incorporated in polyurethane chains, in order to create a synthetic equivalent of the Extracellular Matrix. Furthermore amino-derived diamines and cyclic diols were used as alternative chain extenders. Mechanical tests showed the influence of the macrodiol and chain extender in mechanical properties. Cell adhesion test with myoblast showed the effect of mechanical properties on cell adhesion. For instance myoblast cells adhere preferently to polymer with lower Young Modulus and marked elastomeric behaviour, properties similar to those of musculoskeletal tissue.