Shape Memory Polyurethane Material with Programmable Interface Promotes Osteogenesis in vitro

Micropatterns with bionic properties influence cellular behavior through mechanotransduction, a process that plays a crucial role in promoting bone repair. However, bone regeneration is a complicated physiological process that involves multiple cell types and mechanisms. In the early stages of bone restoration, micropatterned surfaces on bone implants can prematurely promote osteogenic differentiation. This premature differentiation is detrimental to the accumulation of initial cell numbers, ultimately delaying both bone growth and overall bone accumulation. In light of this, the fabrication of thermally stimulated polyurethane with exceptional shape memory properties enabled dynamic response of the micropatterned interfaces, enabling precise switching between proliferation and differentiation phases for enhanced osseointegration. Furthermore, cell proliferation and ALP activity assays of MC3T3-E1 were used to assess the osteoinductive effects of shape memory polyurethane. The results demonstrated that the temporary flat interface of the smart dynamic membrane effectively promoted cell proliferation, while the responsive microstructure significantly improved early osteogenic differentiation compared to the static micropatterned membrane.