Robust Polyurethane with Ordered Hard Segments and Pendant Fluorinated Chains for Improved Hemocompatibility

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Surface Engineering

Background:

• Polyurethane (PU) is widely used in biomedical devices.
• Insufficient hemocompatibility, due to protein adsorption and thrombosis, limits long-term PU application.
• Improving hemocompatibility while preserving mechanical and cytocompatibility is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and synthesize a fluorinated polyurethane (F-PCU) with enhanced surface hemocompatibility.
• To evaluate the surface properties, mechanical performance, and biological compatibility of F-PCU.
• To investigate the potential of F-PCU for long-term biomedical applications.

Main Methods:

• Fluorinated PU (F-PCU) synthesized using a prepolymer method with a fluorinated diol and ordered hard-segment extender.
• Characterization of chemical structure, thermal behavior, and mechanical properties.
• Evaluation of surface properties (water contact angle) and biological performance (protein adsorption, platelet adhesion, cytotoxicity assays).

Main Results:

• Fluorinated side chains preferentially enriched at the surface, creating a low-energy, hydrophobic interface.
• F-PCU demonstrated excellent mechanical properties (tensile strength 49.5 MPa, elongation at break 965%).
• Significantly reduced protein adsorption and platelet adhesion, with maintained cytocompatibility, indicating improved hemocompatibility.

Conclusions:

• Integrating ordered hard segments with fluorinated side chains is an effective strategy for optimizing bulk and surface properties.
• F-PCU exhibits promising potential for long-term biomedical applications due to its improved hemocompatibility.
• The developed F-PCU offers a viable solution to overcome limitations of traditional polyurethanes in medical devices.