Phospholipid-polyurethane adhesion force observed by atomic force microscopy

In the present paper, adhesion force between a phospholipid (Lecithin of Soya) and a series of biodegradable polyurethanes (PUs) was investigated by means of an atomic force microscope (AFM). Force-distance curves were recorded in aqueous solution making use of a phospholipid-coated probe tip. In addition, micro/nanoscale mechanical characterization of polymer samples was addressed to understand how surface properties could favor cell growth. The technique could become a useful method to select the best candidate materials for 3D scaffolds realisation for tissue engineering.