Synthesis, characterization and applications of amphiphilic elastomeric polyurethane networks in drug delivery

Polyurethanes have a key role in the development of many different biomedical devices because of their exceptional biocompatibility, mechanical properties and versatility. Although linear segmented polyurethanes have been extensively studied, the investigation of cross-linked polyurethanes remains limited. In this work, three series of polyurethane networks were synthesized by reacting poly(ethylene glycol) and hexamethylene diisocyanate with either tetrafunctional poloxamer Tetronic 701 or poly(e-caprolactone)s triol with molecular weights of 1060 and 3130 Da. The hydrophilic/hydrophobic ratio was varied by selecting the appropriate amounts of monomers, and its effects on the swelling behavior and the thermal properties were analyzed. Studies concerning the release of a model drug were performed, the results of which indicate that these materials hold promise for use in controlled implantable drug-delivery devices and antimicrobial coatings.Fil: Caracciolo, Pablo Christian. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico - CONICET - Mar del Plata. Instituto de Investigación en Ciencia y Tecnología de Materiales (i); Argentina;Fil: Sanz Pita, Cristina. Universidad de Girona. Grupo Lepamap; España;Fil: Abraham, Gustavo Abel. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico - CONICET - Mar del Plata. Instituto de Investigación en Ciencia y Tecnología de Materiales (i); Argentina;Fil: Méndez, José Alberto. Universidad de Girona. Grupo Lepamap; España;Fil: Gironés Molera, Jordi. Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas. Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnologıa de Polimeros; España