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Surface characterization and protein interactions of segmented polyisobutylene-based thermoplastic polyurethanes
David Cozzens1, Arnold Luk, Umaprasana Ojha
1Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts Lowell, One University Avenue, Lowell, Massachusetts 01854, USA.
Langmuir : the ACS Journal of Surfaces and Colloids
|October 26, 2011
Summary
Novel thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs) show excellent biocompatibility for medical devices. Surface analysis revealed unique properties, with protein adsorption similar to commercial TPUs, indicating promising applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Surface Science
Background:
- Thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs) are crucial for blood-contacting medical devices.
- Understanding surface properties is key to ensuring biocompatibility and device performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the surface properties and biocompatibility of novel polyisobutylene (PIB)-poly(tetramethylene oxide) (PTMO) TPUs.
- To compare these novel TPUs with commercial polyether TPUs for medical applications.
Main Methods:
- Surface characterization using contact angle measurements, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and atomic force microscopy (AFM).
- Biocompatibility assessment via protein adsorption studies (fibrinogen and human serum albumin) using quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D).
- Protein-surface interaction strength analysis using AFM colloidal probe technique.
Main Results:
- PIB-PTMO TPUs exhibited higher C/N ratios and lower oxygen content, indicating PIB surface enrichment.
- Lower surface energy was observed for PIB-PTMO TPUs compared to commercial polyether TPUs.
- Similar protein adsorption levels and interaction strengths were found for both novel and commercial TPUs.
Conclusions:
- Novel PIB-PTMO TPUs demonstrate excellent biocompatibility, comparable to established polyether TPUs.
- These findings support the potential of PIB-PTMO TPUs in blood-contacting medical device applications.
- Surface enrichment of PIB influences surface properties without compromising biocompatibility.
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