Recent Advances in Polyurethane/POSS Hybrids for Biomedical Applications

Advanced organic-inorganic materials-composites, nanocomposites, and hybrids with various compositions offer unique properties required for biomedical applications. One of the most promising inorganic (nano)additives are polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS); their biocompatibility, non-toxicity, and phase separation ability that modifies the material porosity are fundamental properties required in modern biomedical applications. When incorporated, chemically or physically, into polyurethane matrices, they substantially change polymer properties, including mechanical properties, surface characteristics, and bioactivity. Hence, this review is dedicated to POSS-PU composites that have recently been developed for applications in the biomedical field. First, different modes of POSS incorporation into PU structure have been presented, then recent developments of PU/POSS hybrids as bio-active composites for scaffolds, cardiovascular stents, valves, and membranes, as well as in bio-imaging and cancer treatment, have been described. Finally, characterization and methods of modification routes of polyurethane-based materials with silsesquioxanes were presented.

Automated summary

Advanced organic-inorganic materials, such as composites, nanocomposites, and hybrids, offer unique properties for biomedical applications. Polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS) are one of the most promising inorganic additives due to their biocompatibility, non-toxicity, and phase separation ability. When incorporated into polyurethane matrices, POSS significantly alter the polymer properties, including mechanical properties, surface characteristics, and bioactivity. This review focuses on the development of POSS-PU composites for various biomedical applications, including scaffolds, cardiovascular devices, bio-imaging, and cancer treatment. Methods of characterization and modification of polyurethane-based materials with silsesquioxanes are also discussed.