Evaluation of the In Vitro Biocompatibility of Novel Polyurethane Materials for Use in Bone Tissue Engineering

Polyurethanes exhibit a range of physical and mechanical properties and are biocompatible, making them ideal for use in tissue engineering. I report that polyurethane polymers modified to be biodegradable were nontoxic in vitro and supported the attachment and proliferation of human osteosarcoma-derived MG-63 cells. Furthermore, I examined the degradation and biocompatibility of twelve lysine methyl-ester diisocyanate (LDI)-based polyurethane foams using MG-63 and MC-3T3 cells. My data revealed differences in cell behavior related to foam composition and structure. Foams containing a polyethersiloxane surfactant exhibited decreased cell proliferation and increased formation of cellular aggregates as compared to foams containing turkey red oil, and more porous foams were better able to support proliferation. The foams were also capable of supporting the osteoblastic differentiation of MC-3T3 cells as assessed by alkaline phosphatase protein activity. Based upon my results, I suggest that polyurethane foams would make a suitable scaffold for use in bone tissue engineering