Polyurethane blended with polylactides for improved cell adhesion and reduced platelet activation

Abstract

Poly(L-lactide) (PLLA) or 50:50 poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) was blended with a commercial polyurethane (PU), Pellethane 2103-80A, using a mutual solvent technique. After preparation by salt casting, the mechanical properties of the porous matrices were measured, and the surface element was characterized by electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis. The attachment and growth of fibroblasts as well as human umbilical vein endothelial cells on the substrates were investigated by the cell culture test. Platelet activation on different substrates was also studied. It was found that blending with these biodegradable polymers, especially PLGA. enhanced the cellular attachment and growth. This enhancement may be correlated with the higher oxygen/carbon (0/C) atomic ratio on the surface of the blends. Blending with either PLLA or PLGA was also found to decrease platelet adhesion and activation in vitro. These characteristics make PU/polylactide blends potential substrates for cardiovascular applications.