Synthesis and Applications of Carbohydrate-Based Polyurethanes

Abstract

Polyurethanes are one of the most important and widespread type of polymers which display a wide range of industrial and biomedical applications. The recent approaches and advances in polyurethane research involve the replacement of petro-based polyols and isocyanates with biobased molecules. In this regard, carbohydrates offer a great promise due to their rich functionality, varied stereochemistry, and renewable production on an impressive scale. The carbohydrate-based polyurethanes are also prone to being biodegradable and biocompatible. These types of materials may be entirely derived from carbohydrates or contain carbohydrates as pendant groups or as constituents of the soft part of the polymer. Artificial polymers prepared by combination of polysaccharides with synthetic monomers or polymers are also included. The synthesis of these materials is described, and their actual or potential applications (mostly in biomedicine, as implants for tissue repair, as permanent or temporary prosthesis, or as drug delivery systems) are discussed.