With the continuous advancement of medical technology, the requirements for materials science are becoming increasingly strict and sophisticated to ensure that medical devices meet higher standards of efficacy, safety, and biocompatibility. Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), as a high-performance elastomer, is gradually demonstrating significant potential in medical applications due to its excellent biocompatibility, wear resistance, heat resistance, chemical resistance and processability.

Innovative Applications of TPU in Medical Devices

Medical Catheters and Tubes: TPU is widely used in the production of medical catheters such as infusion tubes, dialysis catheters, gastroscope tubing, and tracheal tubes due to its excellent mechanical stability and biocompatibility. For instance, TPU-based gastroscope tubing exhibits sufficient elasticity and flexibility, has no toxic side effects, maintains consistent tube diameter without bending or deformation, meeting the high requirements for fiber optic gastroscope tubing. TPU tracheal tubes are flexible and lightweight, enhancing patient comfort and preventing radiation damage, making them an indispensable advanced device in modern healthcare.

Artificial Blood Vessels and Ventricular Assist Devices: TPU is also applied in artificial blood vessels and ventricular assist devices. As an ideal material for artificial blood vessels, TPU boasts exceptional blood compatibility and durability, reducing the risk of immune reactions and thrombus formation during blood contact, ensuring long-term stability and functionality of vascular structures, providing a safer and more reliable alternative for patients. Furthermore, TPU is utilized in the production of components for ventricular assist devices, such as the casing and internal seals of heart pumps. These components need to withstand the high-intensity blood flow impact and long-term effects of patients’ daily activities. TPU’s high strength, wear resistance, and high elasticity ensure that these components maintain stability and sealing under complex and changing conditions, thus ensuring the safety and reliability of ventricular assist devices.

Wide Applications of TPU in Medical Supplies

Medical Films and Personal Protective Equipment: PE and PVC films are frequently used in medical protection, but they often cause issues such as poor breathability and discomfort. In contrast, TPU medical films exhibit significant advantages in wound dressings, surgical films, and medical gloves due to their softness, skin-friendliness, high elasticity, strong moisture permeability and waterproofing properties. For example, waterproof and antibacterial TPU medical gloves not only effectively prevent liquid penetration but also resist bacterial invasion, improving the protection and safety of health workers.

Medical Foams and Dressings: TPU foams are widely used in artificial skin and wound dressings due to their excellent breathability and biocompatibility. Compared to traditional materials, TPU foam can accelerate epidermal growth, maintain moisture and inorganic salt at the wound bed, and reduce the risk of bacterial infection. This feature makes TPU foam an ideal choice for the wound healing in burn/trauma patients.

Tentative Application of TPU in Biomedical Engineering

Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine: With the development of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, TPU has become one of the important materials for constructing artificial tissues and organs due to its excellent biocompatibility and processability. Researchers are exploring TPU applications in tissue engineering products such as blood vessels and cartilage, so as to repair human tissues through regeneration.

Drug Delivery Systems: TPU is also being used to develop novel drug delivery systems. By adjusting the molecular structure and porosity of TPU, precise control of drug release can be achieved, enhancing the bioavailability and therapeutic effects of drugs. This technology holds broad application prospects in the treatment of chronic diseases, cancer, and other fields.

In conclusion, the cross-boundary integration and breakthrough progress of TPU in medical applications are not only reflected in the improvement of traditional medical devices and supplies but also in its tentative applications in biomedical engineering. With advanced technology and increasing clinical demand, TPU will exhibit a huge potential in medical applications.