Novel ferrite/polyurethane nanocomposites were synthesized using the in situ polymerization method after the addition of different spinel nanoferrite particles (copper, zinc, and copper-zinc) and examined as potential coatings for medical devices and implants in vascular tissue engineering. The influence of the nanoferrite type on the structure and functional characteristics of the polyurethane composites was investigated by FTIR, SWAXS, AFM, TGA, DSC, nanoindentation, swelling behavior, water contact angle, and water absorption measurements. Biocompatibility was evaluated by examining the cytotoxicity and adhesion of human endothelial cells and fibroblasts onto prepared composites and performing a protein adsorption test. The antioxidant activity was detected by UV-VIS spectroscopy using a 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging assay. Embedding the different types of nanoparticles in the polyurethane matrix increased phase mixing, swelling ability, and DPPH scavenging, decreased surface roughness, and differently affected the stiffness of the prepared materials. The composite with zinc ferrite showed improved mechanical properties, hydrophilicity, cell adhesion, and antioxidant activity with similar thermal stability, but lower surface roughness and crosslinking density compared to the pristine polyurethane matrix. The in vitro biocompatibility evaluation demonstrates that all nanocomposites are non-toxic, exhibit good hemocompatibility, and promote cell adhesion, and recommends their use as biocompatible materials for the development of coatings for vascular implants.

Department of Biochemistry Institute for Biological Research Siniša Stanković National Institute of the Republic of Serbia University of Belgrade Bulevar despota Stefana 142 11060 Belgrade Serbia

Institute of Chemistry Technology and Metallurgy National Institute of the Republic of Serbia University of Belgrade Njegoševa 12 11000 Belgrade Serbia

Institute of General and Physical Chemistry University of Belgrade Studentski trg 12 16 11000 Belgrade Serbia

Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry CAS Heyrovsky Sq 2 16206 Prague 6 Czech Republic

The VINČA Institute of Nuclear Sciences National Institute of the Republic of Serbia University of Belgrade Mike Petrovića Alasa 12 14 11001 Belgrade Serbia

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