Crosslinked polyether/polysiloxane networks for blood-interfacing applications

The interaction of blood with new artificial surfaces is an area of continual medical interest. In this study, a series of polyether/polysiloxane networks were synthesized, characterized in terms of both bulk and surface compositions, and evaluated for blood compatibility. The crosslinked networks were produced by reacting the epoxy groups of polyglycidoxy propyl methyl siloxane (PGPMS) with the hydroxyl end groups of polypropylene glycol (PPG). Blood compatibility was evaluated using an in vitro platelet retention test and fibrinogen adsorption experiments from human plasma and buffered saline. The PPG/PGPMS networks exhibit low fibrinogen adsorption and low platelet activation. Such properties make the networks potentially attractive as materials for blood-interfacing applications.