In vitro bio-stability screening of novel implantable polyurethane elastomers
In accordance with modern approaches to enhancing oxidative stability of PU-based materials, our samples were designed using: (i) modifying the soft segment with a hydrophobic silicone (PDMS) component; (ii) increasing the crystallinity via incorporating a diisocyanate of symmetrical structure without conformational isomers as well as an aliphatic polycarbonate in SS (additional crystallisation capability); (iii) blending of the end product with antioxidants (Vitamin E as a natural hydrophobic antioxidant).
Bio-stability of the novel implantable materials was evaluated by (i) characterization of the aged surfaces and by (ii) a systematic study of the mechanical response of the moulded cylindrical and circular disc specimens modelling meniscus implant thickness under application-relevant testing conditions.
The unexpected bio-stability of all formulations after 3 months using the accelerated in vitro testing can be explained by the chemical design as well as due to the specific procedure used for specimen preparation which included annealing, long-term storage before testing, and additional purification of granulate.
/ L.Kutuzova, K.Athanasopulu, M.Schneider, A.Kandelbauer, R.Kemkemer, G.Lorenz/
- our partner
financial support & acknowledgement
Financial support of this project by BMBF under grand number 01EC1406C (TOKMIS) as well as by GEPRIS.DFG project 253160297 are gratefully acknowledged.