Waterborne Polyurethanes for Tissue Engineering

Abstract

This chapter presents the applications of water-based polyurethanes in topics related to tissue engineering. This type of polyurethane stands out of the usual family of such polymers due to their nontoxic and more environmentally friendly character, due to the absence of organic solvent remnants of the polymerization procedure. In this context also, the most modern approaches to synthesize this specific type of polymer are presented separately. Pathways to the synthesis of pure porous water-based polyurethane scaffolds are also provided when the different applications are discussed. Soft and hard tissue augmentation applications, such as cartilage and bone scaffolds, are also discussed. Moreover, scaffolds in the form of sponge or with the special characteristic responses of shape memory, along with cryogels, are studied, too. Their toxicity, biocompatibility, biodegradation, and mechanical properties are compared. Two-dimensional films in soft tissue repair and wound healing applications are also in focus. Some systems are compared to traditional organic solvent-based polyurethanes within the context of scientific discussion. Finally, an outlook is given in the future of these materials with respect to their true potential in tissue engineering.