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Published on: September 26, 2014
Dynamics of hydrated polyurethane biomaterials: Surface microphase restructuring, protein activity and platelet
Li-Chong Xu1, James Runt, Christopher A Siedlecki
1Department of Surgery, The Pennsylvania State University, College of Medicine, Biomedical Engineering Institute, Hershey, PA 17033, USA.
Acta Biomaterialia
|December 2, 2009
Summary
Polyurethane biomaterials change surface properties when hydrated, affecting protein interactions. This dynamic surface restructuring influences fibrinogen activity and platelet adhesion, crucial for biomedical applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Surface Chemistry
- Polymer Science
Background:
- Segmented polyurethanes are key biomaterials, with microphase separation influencing biological interactions.
- Understanding dynamic surface changes in polyurethanes is critical for biomedical applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the dynamic restructuring of polyurethanes under hydration using atomic force microscopy (AFM).
- To correlate surface property changes with fibrinogen activity and platelet adhesion.
Main Methods:
- Utilized atomic force microscopy (AFM) phase imaging and force mode analysis.
- Monitored changes in near-surface mechanical properties during hydration.
- Assessed fibrinogen activity and platelet adhesion on polyurethane surfaces.
Main Results:
- Polyurethanes exhibited surface reorientation and rearrangement, enriching hard domains.
- Fibrinogen activity and platelet adhesion decreased with increased hydration time.
- Hydration-induced surface changes influenced fibrinogen conformation and platelet-binding sites.
Conclusions:
- The hydrated polyurethane interface is dynamic, with surface chemistry altering protein interactions.
- Water-induced enrichment of hydrophilic domains impacts fibrinogen activity and platelet adhesion.
- Findings are significant for designing advanced polyurethane biomaterials with controlled biological responses.
