Evaluation of biocompatibility and mechanical behavior of polyurethane elastomers based on chitin/1,4-butane diol blends

Chitin based polyurethane elastomers with potential as biomedical implants with tunable mechanical properties were synthesized by step growth polymerization techniques using poly(e-caprolactone) (PCL) and 4,4'-diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MIDI). The prepolymer was extended with different mass ratios of chitin and 1,4-butane diol (BDO). Molecular characterization was done using FTIR, H-1 NMR and C-13 NMR techniques. The mechanical properties of these polymers were improved with increase in the chitin contents. Optimum mechanical properties were obtained from elastomers extended with chitin in comparison to elastomers extended with BDO. Cytotoxicity of the synthesized polyurethane samples was affected by varying the chitin contents in the chemical composition of the final polyurethane (PU). It is revealed that the final polymers extended with chitin are preferred candidates for surgical threads with on going investigations into their in vitro biocompatibility and non-toxicity. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.