Preparation, rheological properties and primary cytocompatibility of TPU/PLA blends as biomedical materials

Abstract

A polymer blends containing thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and poly (lactic acid) (PLA) as a biomedical material were prepared by a process of modifying thermally induced phase separation (MTIPS) and melt blending. The influences of composition, shear frequency, and temperature on the rheological behaviors of the blends were investigated by small amplitude oscillatory shear rheology. The results revealed that the addition of TPU into PLA significantly decreased the non-Newtonian index of the blends, and increased the sensitivity of the blends on shear rate, suggesting that optimization of the shear rate and temperature could improve the flowability of the blend melts in the extrusion process. In addition, the results of SEM images revealed that TPU distributed well into PLA matrix and showed good compatibility between the TPU and PLA, which made the blends with good toughness. The primary cytocompatibility of the blends was evaluated using C2C12 cells. The results suggested that the TPU/PLA blends did not affect cell growth, showing no cytotoxicity. In short, the TPU/ PLA blends with excellent toughness had potential application as biomedical devices.

Keywords

TPU / PLA / blends / cytocompatibility / biomedical devices

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