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Poly(dimethylsiloxane)-poly(ethylene oxide)-heparin block copolymers. I. Synthesis and characterization
D W Grainger1, S W Kim, J Feijen
1Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City.
Journal of Biomedical Materials Research
|March 1, 1988
Summary
Researchers synthesized amphiphilic block copolymers with poly(dimethylsiloxane)-poly(ethylene oxide)-heparin (PDMS-PEO-Hep). Covalently bound heparin was achieved, though derivatization reduced bioactivity, which may be restored by reforming the heparin sodium salt.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Amphiphilic block copolymers are versatile materials for biomedical applications.
- Heparin is a crucial anticoagulant and bioactive molecule.
- Covalent conjugation of heparin to polymers can improve biomaterial properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize novel amphiphilic block copolymers incorporating heparin.
- To investigate methods for covalently attaching heparin to PDMS-PEO-Hep copolymers.
- To assess the bioactivity of the resulting heparin-conjugated copolymers.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of PDMS-PEO-Hep copolymers via coupling reactions.
- Solubilization of heparin using benzyltrimethyl ammonium salt.
- Covalent coupling of derivatized heparin to semitelechelic copolymers.
- Assessment of heparin bioactivity.
Main Results:
- Successfully synthesized PDMS-PEO-Hep amphiphilic block copolymers with quantifiable products and reactive end-groups.
- Achieved covalent attachment of heparin moieties to the copolymers.
- Observed reduced apparent bioactivity of heparin after derivatization.
- Preliminary data suggest bioactivity restoration by reforming the heparin sodium salt.
Conclusions:
- Novel amphiphilic block copolymers with covalently bound heparin were successfully synthesized.
- The derivatization process for heparin attachment impacts its bioactivity.
- Further research can explore methods to restore heparin bioactivity in conjugated systems.