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Published on: August 20, 2014
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Surface-Modifying Polymers for Blood-Contacting Polymeric Biomaterials
Chung-Man Lim1, Mei-Xian Li1, Yoon Ki Joung2,3
1Center for Biomaterials, Biomedical Research Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology
|July 1, 2020
Summary
Bulk blending effectively enhances blood compatibility of polymeric biomaterials. This method uses additives like zwitterionic oligomers to reduce protein adsorption and platelet adhesion on medical devices.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Surface Science
Background:
- Blood-contacting medical devices require high hemocompatibility to prevent adverse biological reactions.
- Surface modification is crucial for improving the hemocompatibility of polymeric biomaterials.
- Bulk blending offers a straightforward approach to surface modification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effectiveness of bulk blending with functionalized oligomers for enhancing biomaterial hemocompatibility.
- To explore the role of zwitterionic, glycocalyx-like, and heparin-like structures in improving blood compatibility.
- To assess the impact of fluorinated oligomers on surface properties and bulk characteristics.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of zwitterionic, glycocalyx-like, and heparin-like oligomers.
- Incorporation of synthesized oligomers into base polymers via bulk blending.
- Surface analysis using contact angle measurement, atomic force microscopy (AFM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS).
- Evaluation of blood compatibility through platelet adhesion and protein adsorption tests.
Main Results:
- Bulk blending with functionalized oligomers significantly reduced protein adsorption and platelet adhesion.
- Fluorinated oligomers facilitated migration of functional groups to the polymer surface.
- Oligomers combining zwitterionic and fluorine moieties demonstrated favorable phase separation, minimizing undesirable interactions.
- Surface analysis confirmed successful modification and improved hemocompatibility.
Conclusions:
- Bulk blending is a highly effective technique for improving the hemocompatibility of blood-contacting polymeric biomaterials.
- Functionalized oligomers, particularly those with zwitterionic and fluorine components, are promising additives for surface modification.
- The study demonstrates a significant reduction in protein adsorption and platelet adhesion, indicating enhanced biocompatibility for medical applications.
