Effects of “shape memory deformation” on the cytocompatibility of poly (urethane urea) for preventing non-union

Shape memory poly(urethane urea) (SMPUU) can recover its preinstalled shape on body temperature and fill the gap between body and graft. This may be one key factor for preventing non-union and generate evident “shape memory deformation”. In the present paper, deformed-SMPUU was prepared, and atom force microscope, methylthiazolyl tetrazolium assay, laser scanning confocal microscope were used to characterize and to evaluate the effects of “shape memory deformation” on cytocompatibility. It was shown that “shape memory deformation” made micro scale “grooves” on SMPUU, promoting osteoblasts adhesion and proliferation, and even induced oriented spreading. This is beneficial to bone repair processs.