Novel dendrimer based polyurethanes for PEO incorporation.

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Surface Science

Background:

• Segmented polyurethanes are versatile biomaterials.
• Functionalization is key to enhancing biomaterial performance.
• Dendrimers offer a platform for incorporating multiple functional groups.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize novel polyurethanes incorporating dendrimers and polyethylene oxide (PEO).
• To investigate the effect of PEO incorporation on polymer microstructure and surface properties.
• To evaluate the impact of functionalization on protein adsorption and biomaterial performance.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of polyurethanes with protected polypropylenimine octaamine dendrimers.
• Chain extension using ethylene diamine (ED) or butane diol (BDO).
• Deprotection and reaction with succinimidyl propionate polyethylene oxide (SPA-PEO).
• Characterization using NMR, FTIR, GPC, water contact angle, and XPS.
• Protein adsorption studies using radiolabeled fibrinogen, SDS-PAGE, and immunoblotting.

Main Results:

• Dendrimer incorporation resulted in lower molecular weights due to steric factors.
• PEO incorporation was confirmed and correlated with molecular weight changes.
• Surface analysis indicated PEO enrichment at the polymer surface.
• PEO-modified polymers showed a significant reduction (approx. 40%) in fibrinogen adsorption.
• Differential plasma protein adsorption patterns were observed.

Conclusions:

• Dendrimer-mediated functionalization is a promising strategy for creating advanced biomaterials.
• PEO incorporation effectively enhances protein resistance of polyurethanes.
• Surface modification with PEO can significantly reduce non-specific protein adsorption.
• This approach holds potential for developing improved medical devices and implants.