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

Despite the widespread use of polyurethane (PU) in biomedical devices, its long-term application has been hindered by insufficient hemocompatibility caused by protein adsorption and subsequent thrombosis. In this study, a fluorinated PU (F-PCU) was designed to improve surface hemocompatibility while maintaining mechanical performance and good cytocompatibility. F-PCU was synthesized via a prepolymer method using a fluorinated diol and an ordered hard-segment extender. The chemical structure, thermal behavior, and mechanical properties were systematically characterized, while surface properties and biological performance were evaluated by water contact angle, protein adsorption, platelet adhesion, and cytotoxicity assays. The results demonstrated that fluorinated side chains preferentially enriched at the surface, forming a low-energy interface with significantly enhanced hydrophobicity. F-PCU exhibited excellent mechanical properties with a tensile strength of 49.5 MPa and an elongation at break of 965%. Notably, protein adsorption and platelet adhesion were substantially reduced, while good cytocompatibility was maintained, indicating improved surface hemocompatibility. These findings suggest that integrating ordered hard segments with fluorinated side chains is an effective strategy to optimize both bulk and surface properties, offering promising potential for long-term biomedical applications.