Poly(ε-caprolactone) modification via surface initiated atom transfer radical polymerization with bio-inspired...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Surface Engineering

Background:

• Bio-inspired phosphorylcholine modification is a promising strategy for creating biocompatible materials.
• Poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) is a widely used biomaterial, but its biocompatibility can be limited.
• Improving the hemocompatibility and reducing non-specific adsorption of PCL is crucial for advanced biomedical applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To enhance the biocompatibility of PCL by grafting poly(2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine) (PMPC) brushes onto its surface.
• To investigate the effect of PMPC grafting on protein adsorption, platelet adhesion, and blood compatibility.
• To evaluate the potential of PMPC modification for improving PCL in biomaterial applications.

Main Methods:

• Surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization (SI-ATRP) was employed to graft PMPC onto a PCL surface.
• The initiator for SI-ATRP was covalently tethered to the PCL surface prior to polymerization.
• Characterization of the modified PCL films was performed using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and water contact angle measurements.

Main Results:

• PMPC-grafted PCL sheets exhibited significantly reduced protein adsorption compared to unmodified PCL.
• The modified surfaces maintained the secondary structure of adsorbed proteins.
• Platelet adhesion and pseudopodium formation were suppressed on PMPC-grafted PCL, indicating improved hemocompatibility.
• Activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) was prolonged, further supporting enhanced blood compatibility.
• Adhesion of LO2 cells was also suppressed on the PMPC-modified PCL surfaces.

Conclusions:

• Phosphorylcholine modification via SI-ATRP effectively improves the biocompatibility of PCL.
• The PMPC-grafted PCL demonstrates reduced protein adsorption and cell adhesion, making it suitable for biomaterial applications.
• This surface modification strategy offers a promising route to develop advanced, hemocompatible PCL-based biomedical devices.