ContinuousDynamic Chemistry Recombination for FabricatingRecyclable Hydrophilic Lubricating Zwitterionic Polyurethane

Hydrophilic and lubricious polyurethanes (PUs) with variable mechanics show extensive applications in the field of medical devices, highly relying on predesigned precursor-assisted solidification process and traditional surface modification strategy. Universal and mild preparation method to meet key requirements of functional PUs materials with controllable wettability, lubrication properties and mechanical properties, as well as recyclable functionality, is blank. This work proposes an innovative approach for fabricating hydrophilic bulk-modified zwitterionic PU (ZPU) with tunable mechanical and lubrication properties, utilizing novel chemistry recombination strategy through the synergy of dynamic covalent bond dissociation/exchange and continuous polymer brush grafting. The key chemistry advancement involves using dynamic covalent bonds to incorporate hydrophilic groups into PU chains during recycling, eliminating the necessary need for precise initial polymer control in traditional method. The mechanical strength, wettability, and lubrication properties of the ZPU can be finely tuned by adjusting the number of recycling cycles. More importantly, based on the great advantage of dynamic covalent bond dissociation/exchange in manufacture process, the resulted functional PUs materials by the current approach can be reused repeatedly. This research highlights a promising method for developing highly hydrophilic ZPU materials suitable for a wide range of lubrication or biofunctionality needs in implantable medical devices.