ABSTRACT
In Chapter 3, we introduced the three features on which the specialty chemical nature of polyurethanes depends:
• Reservoir capacity • Ability to be colonized (biocompatibility) • Ligand attachment
We described reservoir capacity as the ability to contain an active ingredient within a matrix. In this sense, we give the term
active ingredient
the broadest possible meaning. We will show how polyurethanes are used to absorb exudates from deep tissue wounds. The exudates are considered active ingredients. We likened reservoir capacity to a bottle and controlled release to a bottle with a leak. A polyurethane can serve as a controlled release device, and we will illustrate this in a number of applications.
