Development of a haemocompatible pO2 sensor with phospholipid-based copolymer membrane

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Medical Device Engineering
• Polymer Chemistry

Background:

• Intravascular pO2 sensors are crucial for monitoring blood oxygen levels.
• Traditional sensor membranes (polyetherurethane, polyvinyl chloride) often suffer from poor haemocompatibility and signal drift.
• Improving sensor biocompatibility is essential for reliable long-term in vivo monitoring.

Purpose of the Study:

• To enhance the haemocompatibility and stability of intravascular pO2 sensors.
• To evaluate a novel copolymer membrane, poly (MPC-co-BMA), for pO2 sensor applications.
• To compare the performance of sensors with different membrane coatings in biological environments.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis and preparation of pO2 sensors with poly (MPC-co-BMA), PVC, PU, and composite membranes.
• Surface characterization using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR).
• Surface contamination assessment via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) after blood exposure.
• Performance evaluation in phosphate-buffered solution, protein/serum buffer, and whole human blood.

Main Results:

• Poly (MPC-co-BMA) and PVC+poly (MPC-co-BMA) coated sensors demonstrated stable performance in static human blood.
• Sensors with polyetherurethane (PU) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) membranes exhibited continuous signal deterioration.
• Surface analysis indicated differences in biocompatibility and fouling resistance among the tested membranes.

Conclusions:

• The novel poly (MPC-co-BMA) copolymer membrane significantly improves the haemocompatibility and long-term stability of intravascular pO2 sensors.
• This biomimetic membrane offers a promising alternative to conventional materials for medical device coatings.
• The findings support the use of poly (MPC-co-BMA) in developing more reliable blood-contacting medical sensors.