Segmented Polyurethanes for Medical Applications: Synthesis, Characterization and in vitro Enzymatic Degradation Studies

Degradable segmented poly(ether‐ester‐urethanes) of variable segment chemistry and content were synthesized and characterized. Polycaprolactone diol, a series of poly(ether‐ester) block copolymers, and a diisocyanate giving non toxic degradation products were used to form the prepolymer. Cyclohexane dimethanol and a L–phenylalanine–based diester (Phe diester) were used as chain extenders. The influence of α‐chimotrypsin on the degradation was investigated by exposing the polymers to buffer and enzyme solutions for 12 days. The SEM, SEC, and gravimetric results showed that a significant erosion of the Phe diester containing polymer compared with the control polyurethane occurred in the presence of the enzyme but not in a normal buffer solution.