Analysis of in vitro enzymatic and oxidative degradation of polyurethanes.

In vitro biodegradation studies were performed to assess the long-term stability of poly(ether urethane) (PEU) implants. Three PEU's and one poly(ester urethane) were treated with enzymes characteristic of those released from inflammatory cells during the foreign body reaction. In addition, the effect of hydrogen peroxide was observed to examine oxidative degradation. Polymers were prepared as thin films on glass, gold, silver, and copper substrates to test the possibility of metal-catalyzed degradation. Molecular weights and polydispersities of the polymers were measured by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) before and after treatment. Changes in peak shape and location were also monitored. The results demonstrate that varying degrees of both enzymatic and oxidative degradation occurred.