Abstract
Two new polymeric materials were prepared by coating of polyurethane (PU) with a collagen (COL) gel and a mixture of collagen-elastin (COL/EL). The bioactivated polymeric materials were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for pore morphology. They were also comparatively assayed for porosity, mechanical properties and biodegradability in the presence of bacterial collagenase. In vitro biocompatibility studies were performed in a primary culture of human dermal fibroblasts using spectrophotometric and light microscopy methods. These new polymeric materials showed good tensile strength, biodegradability and a high in vitro biocompatibility. They can be used in the field of medical devices where such physical and biological features are necessary. Key words: polyurethane, natural polymers, collagen, elastin, biocompatibility, biodegradability