Synthesis and properties of novel biodegradable poly(ε‐caprolactone)/ poly(ethylene glycol)‐based polyurethane elastomers

Elastomeric polyurethanes with tunable biodegradation properties and suitable for numerous biomedical applications were synthesized via reaction of epoxy‐terminated polyurethanes (EUPs) with 1,6‐hexamethylenediamine as curing agent. The EUPs themselves were prepared from glycidol and isocyanate‐terminated polyurethanes made from poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) or poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and 1,6‐hexamethylene diisocyanate. All the polymers were characterized by conventional methods, and their physical, mechanical, thermal, and degradation properties were studied. The results showed that the degradation rate and mechanical properties of the final products can be controlled by the amount of PEG or PCL present in the EUP. Increasing the PEG content causes an increase of hydrolytic degradation rate, and increasing the PCL content improves the mechanical properties of the final products. Evaluation of cytotoxcicity showed nontoxic behavior of the prepared samples, but the cytocompatibility of these polymers needs to be improved. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry