Preparation and properties of biodegradable polyurethane networks from carbonated soybean oil

A series of renewable resource-based polyurethane networks (NIPUs) with potential application as biodegradable scaffold were prepared through a nonisocyanate methodology. For this purpose, carbonated soybean oil (CSBO) was reacted with amine curing agents composed of 3-aminopropyl-terminated poly (ethylene glycol) (ATPEG) and ethylene diamine (ED) at different weight ratios. CSBO was synthesized from epoxidized soybean oil and carbon dioxide gas at atmospheric pressure using an efficient catalyst system. The chemical identity of NIPUs was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Dynamic mechanical analysis of the networks showed single-phase structure for those samples made from ED. Evaluation of tensile property showed widespread behavior from weak plastic up to elastomers with high elongation at break. Hydrolytic degradation profile of NIPUs was increased as ATPEG content increased. Investigation of the L-929 fibroblast cells morphology and evaluation of quantitative tetrazolium dye-based colorimetric assay (MTT assay) confirmed nontoxic behavior and good cytocompatibility of the prepared polyurethanes.