Modification of Superhydrophilic, Anti-bacterial Polyurethane Polymer with TiO2 Nanoparticles for Medical Devices

Polyurethane polymer plays an important role in health care, and it is widely used in medical devices and instruments. However, the low biocompatibility and biofilm formation on the surface can be regarded as a challenging issue. Engineering the wetting capability of the surface is an effective way to increase the biodegradability of polymer surfaces with sufficient bulk properties. In this study, the surface modification of polyurethane sheets by a thin layer of polyethylene glycol and trapping of titanium dioxide nanoparticles were carried out by means of physical and chemical changes on the surface to enhance the biocompatibility. The physicochemical properties of the modified surfaces were determined using fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy , scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and contact angle and free surface energy measurement. The biocompatibility of the modified levels was evaluated using the MTT toxicity test on cervical cancer cells (HeLA), bacterial adhesion, biofilm formation, and the protein absorption assay by the Bradford method. A thin, autoclave able and inexpensive thin layer with a solid and stable roughening structure was created covalently on the surface of the polyurethane plates for biological and medical applications. The results, therefore, showed that apart from antibacterial activity, the modified sample also had the ability to reduce the biofilm formation, such that the maximum biofilm attachment inhibition in the first 24 hours was 94% higher than that of the modified sample.