Soybean oil-derived non-isocyanate polyurethanes containing azetidinium groups as antibacterial wound dressing membranes

Abstract

Biobased non-isocyanate polyurethane (NIPU) membranes having physicomechanical and biological properties suitable for application as wound dressings are introduced in this work. Soybean oil with cyclic carbonate groups made through the reaction of epoxidized soybean oil with carbon dioxide gas was reacted with tetraethylenepentamine. The product with free secondary amines was further treated with epichlorohydrin to produce azetidinium containing cross-linked networks. Cationic azetidinium groups offered 100% antibacterial performance against different bacteria. Neither dressings nor their extracted leachates showed cytotoxicity against Fibroblasts. Dressings could preserve damaged skin tissue from external forces as they showed desired tensile properties (~6 MPa tensile strength, ~200% elongation at break), which preserved under a hydrated state. Due to the ability of dressings for absorption (equilibrium water absorption up to ~30%) or evaporation of excess exudates as vapor (water vapor transmission rate of 390 up to 710 g/m2/day for dry and wet dressing), they could preserve a moist environment over low to moderately exuding wounds. Therefore, the encouragement of healing of wounded skin tissue under a hygiene condition is attainable by these dressings.