Effects of different biomaterials: Comparing the bladder smooth muscle cells on waterborne polyurethane or poly-lactic-co-glycolic acid membranes

Tissue engineering materials have often been used to repair bladder damage caused by conditions, such as infection, resection, inflammation, and trauma. However, the concept of generating a functional urinary bladder using autologous cells obtained from a biopsy specimen combined with a biomaterial scaffold remains a challenge. Previously, we presented a new method for synthesizing a biocompatible, mechanically sound, nontoxic, and cross-linked waterborne polyurethane (WBPU) as a potential material for bladder regeneration. Here, we further evaluated the response of bladder smooth muscle cells (BSMCs) seeded on WBPU membranes in comparison with the gold standard biomaterial, poly-lactic-co-glycolic acid. Specifically, we observed the BSMC attachment, proliferation, and α-actin distribution at 1 day, 3 days, and 5 days after membrane seeding. We found that significantly more cells attached and proliferated on the WBPU membranes after 3 days and 5 days of culture, and the cells exhibited greater organization and a wider distribution of α-actin compared with BSMCs cultured on poly-lactic-co-glycolic acid membranes. These preliminary data offer promise for the use of WBPU biomaterials in bladder tissue engineering.