Current Directions in Biomedical Engineering · Published 2025-09-01 · DOI 10.1515/cdbme-2025-0121
Polymeric per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and its expanded form (ePTFE), are widely used due to their exceptional chemical resistance and biocompatibility, particularly in medical devices. However, environmental and health concerns linked to PFAS persistence and contamination have prompted the European Union to propose restrictions on their non-essential uses. This has raised challenges for industries dependent on PFAS-containing materials, especially in biomedical applications. In response, this study explores polyurethane (PU) as a potential alternative to ePTFE. Three PU variants were evaluated for their mechanical and biological properties, aiming to identify suitable substitutes that maintain the performance required for critical medical applications.
Abstract from DOAJ. Public domain (CC0 1.0).
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