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Antigens Protected Functional Red Blood Cells By The Membrane Grafting Of Compact Hyperbranched Polyglycerols

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Complement activation on surfaces modified with ethylene glycol units.

Yusuke Arima¹, Mitsuaki Toda, Hiroo Iwata

¹Institute for Frontier Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, 53 Kawara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan.

|November 6, 2007

Summary

Poly(ethylene glycol) surfaces can unexpectedly trigger immune responses. This study reveals that hydroxyl groups on ethylene glycol surfaces activate the complement system, while oxidation during storage or UV exposure can activate PEG-coated surfaces.

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Area of Science:

Biomaterials Science
Immunology
Surface Chemistry

Background:

Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) is widely used in biomedical applications to reduce protein interactions with artificial materials.
However, hypersensitivity reactions to PEG-modified surfaces indicate unclear body responses.
Understanding these immune reactions is crucial for developing safer biomedical devices.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate complement activation on surfaces modified with ethylene glycol units.
To compare complement activation on surfaces with terminal hydroxyl groups versus methoxy-terminated PEG.
To determine the influence of storage and UV irradiation on complement activation.

Main Methods:

Preparation of two model surfaces: tri(ethylene glycol)-terminated alkanethiol (HS-TEGOH) and methoxy-terminated PEG-thiol (HS-mPEG).
Assessment of complement activation by measuring the binding of an antibody against complement C3b.
Exposure of surfaces to diluted human serum and analysis using surface plasmon resonance (SPR).

Main Results:

Strong complement activation was observed on HS-TEGOH surfaces, indicating the involvement of the terminal hydroxyl group.
HS-mPEG surfaces did not induce complement activation immediately after preparation.
Complement activation on HS-mPEG surfaces increased with storage time and was accelerated by UV light exposure, suggesting oxidation introduces activating functional groups.

Conclusions:

The terminal hydroxyl group on ethylene glycol surfaces plays a significant role in complement activation.
Poly(ethylene glycol) surfaces can become immunogenic over time due to oxidation, particularly when exposed to light.
These findings highlight the need for careful consideration of storage conditions and potential surface modifications for PEG-based biomaterials.