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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 14, 2026

Microwave-assisted Functionalization of Poly(ethylene glycol) and On-resin Peptides for Use in Chain Polymerizations and Hydrogel Formation

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Published on: October 29, 2013

Complement activation by polymers carrying hydroxyl groups.

Yusuke Arima¹, Masako Kawagoe, Mitsuaki Toda

¹Institute for Frontier Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, 53 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan.

ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces

|April 2, 2010

Summary

Immobilized polymers with hydroxyl groups activate the complement system, while soluble polymers do not. This study clarifies polymer state

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Area of Science:

Biomaterials Science
Immunology
Polymer Chemistry

Background:

Hydrogels with hydroxyl groups activate the complement system via the alternative pathway.
Contradictory findings exist regarding complement activation by soluble versus immobilized polymers.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the influence of polymer physical state (immobilized vs. soluble) on complement activation.
To resolve inconsistencies in previous research on polymer-induced complement activation.

Main Methods:

Utilized surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
Compared complement activation by immobilized dextran and poly(vinyl alcohol) surfaces against their soluble counterparts.

Main Results:

Immobilized dextran and poly(vinyl alcohol) surfaces demonstrated strong complement system activation.
Soluble polymers failed to activate the complement system, even at significantly higher concentrations.

Conclusions:

The physical state of polymers is critical for complement activation.
Surface immobilization, not just polymer chemistry, drives complement activation through the alternative pathway.