Electrospun polyurethane fibrous membranes of mimicked extracellular matrix for periodontal ligament: Molecular behavior, mechanical properties, morphology, and osseointegration

Based on mimicking of the extracellular matrix structure and function, electrospun polyurethane fibers are proposed as osseointegration implant membranes for the periodontal ligament. Polyurethane in different solution ratios of N,N-dimethylformamide:tetrahydrofuran of 100:0 (PU100), 70:30 (PU70), and 50:50 (PU50) was prepared before fabrication into fibers by electrospinning. The viscosities of the solutions were measured. The molecular behaviors of the electrospun polyurethane fibers were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis. The morphologies were observed by scanning electron microscopy. Tensile testing was used to evaluate the mechanical performance. Biological performance was tested by osteoblast culturing. The cells were evaluated for cell morphology, viability, proliferation, and alkaline phosphatase activity. The results demonstrated that PU100 showed low molecular interaction and entanglement, formation of irregular various fibers, flexible mechanical behavior, and unique biological characteristics of cell adhesion, migration, proliferation, and alkaline phosphatase activity. The results indicated that the structure of PU100 was similar to natural extracellular matrix. Finally, it could be deduced that the PU100 has promise as a fibrous membrane for the periodontal ligament.