Tendinopathies are a group of debilitating musculoskeletal conditions that affect hundreds of millions of people globally, causing persistent pain, functional limitations, reduced quality of life, and a significant socioeconomic impact. Their complex aetiology makes the development of universally effective therapeutic solutions particularly challenging. Even when surgical intervention is employed, tendon repair commonly results in fibrovascular scar tissue, displaying inferior mechanical properties, and reduced elasticity relative to native tendon tissue [1]. These limitations increase the risk of re-injury, chronic symptoms, and long-term functional deficits.

To address these challenges, regenerative medicine approaches have gained substantial attention, with scaffold-based strategies emerging as especially promising [2]. Engineered scaffolds can provide mechanical support while simultaneously delivering biological and structural cues that regulate cell behavior, stimulate extracellular matrix production, and promote the formation of more organized, tendon-like tissue. Through careful control of material composition, architecture, and biofunctionalization, scaffolds can actively influence the healing process toward more regenerative outcomes [1,2].

Within the TEN4CARE Horizon project, this work focuses on the development of a novel class of shape memory polyurethane biomaterials intended as bulk components of advanced scaffolds for tendon repair. These polymers enable precise tuning of mechanical performance and biological interactions. By modifying polymer composition and incorporating targeted chemical functionalization, both shape memory behavior and biointerface properties can be tailored to meet the mechanical and surgical demands of tendon healing.

Herein we will present initial insights into the rational design, synthesis, and characterization of advanced thermoplastic shape-memory polyurethanes, laying the groundwork for innovative medical devices aimed at improving tendon regeneration.

References

1- A. Ratcliffe, Butler, D.L. Dyment NA, Cagle PJ, Proctor CS, Ratcliffe SS, Flatow LL. Ann. Biomed. Eng. 2015, 43, 819.

2- S. Wang, Z. Ou, F. Xiao, X. Feng, L. Tan S. Cheng, D. Wu, C. Yang, H. Yao J. Orthop. Translat. 2025, 55, 204.

Acknowledgments

The authors thank the Eu Commission - TEN4CARE project (Grant agreement ID: 101178590) for funding