Polymeric active coatings with functionality in vascular applications

Copolymers containing functional groups with activity as antiaggregating agents for platelets, based on random chains of metacryloyloxyethyl [2-(acetyloxy)-4-(trifluoromethyl)]benzoate, TH, and 2-acrylamido-2-metylpropanesulfonic acid, AMPS, with AMPS molar fractions ranging from 0.1 to 0.4, have been prepared. The spectroscopical characterization and the in vitro swelling behavior have been studied, as well as the surface free energy, showing the copolymers an appropriate surface properties from a haemocompatible point of view. Preliminary in vitro tests using human blood have shown a promising antiaggregating behavior.