Synthesis and characterization of a noncytotoxic, X‐ray opaque polyurethane containing iodinated hydroquinone bis(2‐hydroxyethyl) ether as chain extender for biomedical applications

Abstract An iodinated urethane polymer that does not require addition of X‐ray attenuating additives to impart X‐ray opacity was synthesized and characterized for biomedical applications. A new X‐ray opaque diiodo compound, namely, 2,2′‐(2,5‐diiodobenzene‐1,4‐diyl)bis(oxy)diethanol (DBD), was synthesized by iodinating hydroquinone bis(2‐hydroxyethyl) ether and this compound was used as chain extender during polyurethane synthesis so that X‐ray opacity could be imparted to the polymer formed. X‐ray opaque polyurethane (XPU) was synthesized by reacting 1,6‐diisocyanatohexane with poly(hexamethylene carbonate)diol and DBD. X‐ray opacity of XPU was measured with a fluoroscopy machine using BaSO₄‐filled polyurethane as controls. Radiographic images showed that XPU sample had X‐ray opacity equivalent to 15 wt % BaSO₄‐filled polymer. In vivo imaging in a rabbit model showed that the material could be readily distinguishable from bones. XPU was found to be hemocompatible and noncytotoxic to L929 fibroblast cell lines. Optical transparency measurements using ultraviolet–visible spectrophotometer showed that XPU transmitted 85% of visible light. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 102A: 3207–3215, 2014.