In Situ Growth of Functional Hydrogel Coatings by a Reactive Polyurethane for Biomedical Devices
Shihua Mao1, Wei Liu2, Zeming Xie1
1Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Plastic Modification and Processing Technology, College of Materials Science & Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, P. R. China.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|November 30, 2023
Summary
Researchers developed a novel method to create functional hydrogel coatings on thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) surfaces. This surface modification enhances biomedical devices by providing customizable properties and improved biocompatibility.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Surface Engineering
Background:
- Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) modification is crucial for advanced biomedical applications.
- Achieving robust, functional surface coatings on TPU via simple methods presents a significant challenge.
- Existing methods often lack versatility and require harsh conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a facile and versatile method for creating functional hydrogel coatings on TPU.
- To impart diverse properties such as antifouling, stimuli-responsiveness, and antibacterial activity to TPU surfaces.
- To demonstrate the potential of these modified materials in biomedical applications, including reducing foreign body response and preventing thrombosis.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of a novel photoinitiating benzophenone-containing TPU (BPTPU).
- In situ photopolymerization of various monomers onto BPTPU surfaces under UV irradiation, forming hydrogel coatings without organic solvents.
- Blending BPTPU with commercial TPU for extrusion into functional tubes.
- In vivo and in vitro evaluations of biocompatibility, antifouling, and antithrombotic properties.
Main Results:
- Successful in situ growth of tunable hydrogel coatings with excellent adhesion, softness, and lubrication on BPTPU.
- Demonstrated customizable functionalities including antifouling, stimuli-responsive, antibacterial, and fluorescent properties.
- BPTPU-based tubes showed effective mitigation of foreign body response in vivo and prevention of thrombus formation in vitro.
- Trace amounts of BPTPU were sufficient to impart photoinitiating capabilities to commercial TPU.
Conclusions:
- A novel, solvent-free method for creating functional hydrogel-coated TPU was established using BPTPU.
- The developed elastomer-hydrogel composite materials exhibit promising biocompatibility and tunable functionalities for biomedical applications.
- This approach offers a versatile strategy for designing advanced polyurethane materials with significant clinical translation potential.
