Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 5, 2026
12:00
Preparation of Light-responsive Membranes by a Combined Surface Grafting and Postmodification Process
Published on: March 21, 2014
Hemocompatibility of poly(ether imide) membranes functionalized with carboxylic groups
R Tzoneva1, B Seifert, W Albrecht
1Institute of Biophysics, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. G. Bonchev St., Bl. 108, Sofia 1113, Bulgaria. tzoneva@bio21.bas.bg
Summary
Modifying poly(ether imide) (PEI) membranes with carboxylic groups increased blood activation but maintained superior hemocompatibility compared to poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET). These findings are crucial for developing safer blood-contacting medical devices.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Medical Device Development
Background:
- Blood-contacting materials require high hemocompatibility to prevent thrombosis.
- Surface-induced thrombosis is linked to coagulation and platelet activation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To modify poly(ether imide) (PEI) membranes with carboxylic groups.
- To evaluate the hemocompatibility of modified PEI membranes.
Main Methods:
- PEI membranes were modified with iminodiacetic acid (IDA) to introduce carboxylic (-COOH) groups.
- Physico-chemical properties were analyzed using SEM, AFM, water contact angle, and Zeta potential.
- Hemocompatibility was assessed by measuring coagulation activation and platelet adhesion/activation.
Main Results:
- Increased negative charges (carboxylic groups) on PEI surfaces enhanced coagulation activation and platelet adhesion/activation compared to unmodified PEI.
- Despite increased activation, all modified PEI membranes exhibited better hemocompatibility than commercial poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) membranes.
Conclusions:
- Surface modification of PEI with carboxylic groups influences blood response.
- PEI membranes demonstrate promising hemocompatibility for blood-contacting applications, outperforming PET.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Membrane Carbohydrates
The plasma membrane is a dynamic barrier composed of lipids, proteins, and carbohydrates. It is the epicenter of many cellular processes required for cell growth and survival. Carbohydrates have unique structural and chemical properties that help the plasma membrane to carry out its functions effectively.
Membrane carbohydrates do not have any hydrophobic region and are exclusively located on the cell's outer surface. The addition of sugar molecules or glycosylation of proteins happens in...
Membrane carbohydrates do not have any hydrophobic region and are exclusively located on the cell's outer surface. The addition of sugar molecules or glycosylation of proteins happens in...
01:20Anionic Chain-Growth Polymerization: Overview
The polymerization process that involves carbanion as an intermediate is called anionic polymerization. It is also a type of addition or chain-growth polymerization. Anionic polymerization gets initiated by a strong nucleophile such as an organolithium or a Grignard reagent. The most commonly used initiator for anionic polymerization is butyl lithium. Monomers involved in anionic polymerization must possess a vinyl group bonded to one or two electron-withdrawing groups. For instance,...
01:35Asymmetric Lipid Bilayer
Biological membranes show uneven distribution of different types of lipids in the inner and outer layers, resulting in transverse asymmetric membranes. The treatment of the erythrocyte membrane with the enzyme phospholipase confirmed the asymmetric nature of the lipid bilayer. The enzyme hydrolyzes lipids into fatty acids and hydrophilic groups. The phospholipase acts only on the outer layer of the membrane, while the inner layer remains intact. The phospholipase treatment resulted in 80%...
01:25Esters to Carboxylic Acids: Saponification
Esters can be hydrolyzed to carboxylic acids under acidic or basic conditions. Base-promoted hydrolysis of esters is a nucleophilic acyl substitution reaction in which esters react with an aqueous base, followed by an acid to give carboxylic acids. This reaction is also known as saponification because it forms the basis for making soaps from fats.
The reaction requires a base in stoichiometric amounts, which participates in the reaction and is not regenerated later. So, the base acts as a...
The reaction requires a base in stoichiometric amounts, which participates in the reaction and is not regenerated later. So, the base acts as a...
01:31Physical Properties of Carboxylic Acids
Carboxylic acids with lower molecular weight exhibit a sharp and unpleasant odor. They also have higher boiling and melting points than analogous compounds, such as aldehydes, ketones, and alcohols.
01:24Site-Targeted Drug Delivery Systems: Polymeric Carriers
Polymeric carriers enhance targeted drug delivery by increasing efficacy while minimizing off-target effects. These carriers comprise a biodegradable polymeric backbone integrated with functional elements that enable targeting, improve physicochemical properties, and regulate drug release.Targeting MechanismsThe targeting ability of polymeric carriers is mediated by a homing device, which is a molecular recognition component designed to selectively bind to specific tissues or cells. Monoclonal...