Bioactive Polyurethane Shape Memory Polymer Foam Dressings with Enhanced Blood and Cell Interactions for Improved Wound Healing

Abstract

Polyurethane (PUr) shape memory polymer (SMP) foams have demonstrated excellent bleeding control in traumatic wounds. Unlike the current clinically available treatment options, PUr SMP foams can address noncompressible bleeds, are safe for prolonged use, and are highly tunable, offering broad functionalities like biodegradation and antimicrobial properties. Despite their hemostatic efficacy, PUrs are entirely synthetic, which limits their long-term healing capacity if left in a wound to degrade. This work employed methods for facile incorporation of bioactive collagen and gelatin into PUr foams postfabrication to enhance their clotting efficacy and drive cell interactions. The procoagulant nature of collagen and gelatin increased the clotting accomplished by the PUr SMP foams. Additionally, the bioactive PUr SMP foams promoted cell attachment, spreading, and proliferation on foam pores, which could facilitate tissue migration into the scaffold and promote wound repair. Overall, a bioactive PUr SMP foam dressing could significantly improve traumatic wound healing outcomes.