Self-healing polyurethane-elastomer with mechanical tunability for multiple biomedical applications in vivo

Abstract

The unique properties of self-healing materials hold great potential in the field of biomedical engineering. Although previous studies have focused on the design and synthesis of self-healing materials, their application in in vivo settings remains limited. Here, we design a series of biodegradable and biocompatible self-healing elastomers (SHEs) with tunable mechanical properties, and apply them to various disease models in vivo, in order to test their reparative potential in multiple tissues and at physiological conditions. We validate the effectiveness of SHEs as promising therapies for aortic aneurysm, nerve coaptation and bone immobilization in three animal models. The data presented here support the translation potential of SHEs in diverse settings, and pave the way for the development of self-healing materials in clinical contexts.

Responsive and self-healing structural color supramolecular hydrogel patch for diabetic wound treatment

“…Supramolecular hydrogels, derived from the assembly of supramolecular polymer networks, are fascinating materials similar to natural extracellular matrix (ECM) [ [29] , [30] , [31] , [32] , [33] ]. Benefiting from their excellent properties, including suitable mechanical strength, self-healing, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, supramolecular hydrogels have found many applications in biomedical areas [ [34] , [35] , [36] , [37] ]. In contrast, structural colors, as a type of coloration arising from unique interaction of light with intrinsic periodic nanostructures, have aroused great attention in optical displays, anti-counterfeiting labels, wearable electronics, etc [ [38] , [39] , [40] ].…”

A novel multi‐functional model thermoset and PDA‐coated PU nanocomposite based on graphene and an amphiphilic block copolymer

“…16,17 In recent years, PUs with relatively more complex structures have emerged indicating the attempt to develop biomaterials with a multi-purpose role. 18,19 Preparation of macroporous TPU/hydroxyapatite (HA) nanocomposites modified with Polydopamine (PDA), 20 synthesis of tPUs of PCL/PEG and cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) 11,12,17 are recent examples of these attempts. Besides the structural versatility, the PUs also possess an inherent shape memory behavior which makes them a great candidate to build bulk and surface stimuli-responsive substrates for cell culture in the tissues' dynamic environment.…”

“…However, with respect to tPU nanocomposites, the one‐pot synthesis procedure removes the need for extra processes and the possibility of nanoparticle migration and clustering 16,17 . In recent years, PUs with relatively more complex structures have emerged indicating the attempt to develop biomaterials with a multi‐purpose role 18,19 . Preparation of macroporous TPU/hydroxyapatite (HA) nanocomposites modified with Polydopamine (PDA), 20 synthesis of tPUs of PCL/PEG and cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) 11,12,17 are recent examples of these attempts.…”

UV‐Curable Polyurethane Elastomer with UV‐Irradiation/Thermo Dual‐Activated Self‐Healability

“…Recently, self-healing materials such as bio-tissues, which are able to spontaneously repair internal damages and recover functions have shown promising applications in endurable coatings, biomedical materials, and wearable devices. [3][4][5][6][7] Thus far, self-healing is primarily fulfilled by either extrinsic or intrinsic mechanisms. [7,8] As for extrinsic selfhealing materials, fluidic healing agents can be rapidly released from broken microvessels that are pre-embedded to re-bond the cracked regions.…”

“…Recently, self‐healing materials such as bio‐tissues, which are able to spontaneously repair internal damages and recover functions have shown promising applications in endurable coatings, biomedical materials, and wearable devices. [ 3–7 ]…”