In vitro calcification of UHMWPE/PU composite membrane

Polyurethane composite made from biaxially drawn ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (BDUHMWPE) is likely an alternative for polyurethane currently being plagued for medical applications. In this study, an in vitro calcification protocol was used to determine the relative resistance to calcification of the composite membranes. The results demonstrated that the composite membranes were susceptible to extrinsic calcification that was closely related to the matrix polyurethane material used. The calcification of the composite was different from that of the solution cast polyurethane membranes. The incorporation of hydrophobic reinforcement BDUHMWPE effectively postponed the calcification. The differences of calcification between composite and polyurethane were greatly due to the differences in surface structures and properties of the as-cast polyurethane.