In vitro degradation and erosion of degradable, segmented polyurethanes containing an amino acid-based chain extender

In vitro degradation and erosion of novel, degradable segmented polyurethanes containing a phenylalanine diester chain extender were investigated by exposing the polymers to buffer, chymotrypsin, and trypsin solutions for up to 28 days. Polyurethane degradation and erosion were monitored by gravimetry, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and compared to a control polyurethane. Polyurethanes were synthesized using two different soft segments (polycaprolactone diol and polyethylene oxide) of variable molecular weight. Inclusion of the phenylalanine-based chain extender resulted in an increased susceptibility to enzyme-mediated, but not buffer-mediated, erosion in comparison to the control polyurethane. SEM analysis indicated that enzyme-mediated erosion proceeded via a surface-limited mechanism resulting in a progressive removal of material from the surface inwards with time. The magnitude of degradation and erosion was highly variable and was dependent on soft segment type and molecular weight. The range of degradation rates, as well as physicochemical properties, makes these polyurethanes potentially useful for a wide range of biomedical applications.