Direk Ink Writing Of Waterborne Polyurethane As A Biomedical Matrix: Assessing Mechanical Properties And The Performance Of Controlled Release

Official URL: https://risc01.sabanciuniv.edu/record=b3205843

Fabrication of soft and strong matrixes with architecturally anisotropic properties holds crucial significance in soft tissue applications. In this thesis, using direct ink writing (DIW), customized waterborne polyurethane (WPU) matrices with various geometries and dimensions were printed at room temperature. Pristine WPU scaffolds, with adjustable fabrication parameters (e.g., infill density, infill pattern, number of perimeters) exhibited mechanical properties (elastic modulus: 20 – 26 KPa, tensile strength: 1000 – 1450 KPa, flexural modulus: 85 – 98 KPa, and flexural strength: 1350 – 1750 KPa) that match the range for soft tissues. To achieve controlled and efficient release profiles from these matrixes, two drug molecules, an antioxidant (ascorbic acid; AA) and an antibiotic (tetracycline), were incorporated into the WPU scaffolds. By tailoring the printed WPU designs, drug-loaded WPU matrices demonstrated sustained release profiles, with approximately 50% release for AA and 80% release for tetracycline over a four-day period. These results highlight the high potential of WPU-based drug carriers for medicine applications.