Structure-property relationship of sodium deoxycholate based poly(ester ether)urethane ionomers for biomedical applications

New sodium deoxycholate based poly(ester ether) urethane ionomers were prepared for the development of biomedical materials. A structure-property relationship in the tested biomaterials was established by cross-examination of the dynamic mechanical and dielectric properties, attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared investigation, thermogravimetric analysis, and surface morphology characterization. A stronger ionic interaction and solvation capacity of the ions and a higher ionic conductivity were manifested in the case of poly(ethylene oxide)-rich segments than for poly(propylene oxide)-rich segments in these polyurethane ionomers. The molecular and ionic interactions of the bile-salt moiety with different polyether cosoft segments influenced chain packing and conformation, supramolecular organization, and the resulting surface morphological microstructures of the polyurethane biomembranes. (C) 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.