Synthesis of poly(ε-caprolactone)-based polyurethane semi-interpenetrating polymer networks as scaffolds for skin tissue regeneration

A new biodegradable poly(ε-caprolactone)-polyurethane semi-interpenetrating polymer network (PCL-PU-semi-IPNs) was synthesized through the reaction of hydroxyl-terminated four-armed star-shaped PCL, 1,4-diisocyanatobutane, and ethylenediamine. Afterwards, the three-dimensional (3D) porous structure of the polymer was prepared through particulate leaching and freeze-drying methods. The chemical structure of star-shaped block PCL-PU polymer was confirmed by 1H NMR and IR spectroscopy. The morphology of the fabricated PCL-PU-semi IPN scaffolds was identified by scanning electron microscopy. Results indicated that lower polymer concentration can lead to formation of an isolated pore with a small size, while increasing polymer concentration increases the pore size. Fibroblast cells culturing on the scaffold suggests that the fabricated PU-based scaffold is biocompatible and can be considered as a suitable scaffold material for skin tissue engineering applications.