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Physical property analysis and bacterial adhesion on a series of phosphonated polyurethanes
J N Baumgartner1, C Z Yang, S L Cooper
1Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark 19716, USA.
Biomaterials
|June 1, 1997
Summary
Glycerophosphorylcholine (GPC) incorporation in polyurethanes enhances physical properties and reduces bacterial adhesion, showing promise for biomedical devices. These GPC-modified materials offer improved biocompatibility for potential medical applications.
Area of Science:
- Polymer Science
- Biomaterials Engineering
- Surface Chemistry
Background:
- Polyurethanes are widely used in biomedical devices.
- Modifying polyurethane properties is crucial for enhancing biocompatibility and performance.
- Glycerophosphorylcholine (GPC) is explored as a novel chain extender.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of GPC incorporation on the physical properties of poly(tetramethylene oxide)-based polyurethane block copolymers.
- To evaluate the biocompatibility of these modified polyurethanes, focusing on bacterial adhesion and protein deposition.
- To assess the influence of soft-segment molecular weight on material characteristics.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of polyurethane block copolymers with varying GPC content.
- Tensile testing to determine mechanical properties (Young's modulus, elongation at break).
- Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) for thermal and viscoelastic properties.
- Water absorption measurements.
- Bacterial adhesion studies using radial flow chambers and automated video microscopy.
Main Results:
- Increased GPC content led to decreased elongation at break and increased Young's modulus.
- DSC and DMA indicated decreased glass transition temperatures (Tg) and increased phase separation with higher GPC content.
- Water absorption increased with GPC content.
- GPC-containing polyurethanes exhibited significantly lower bacterial adhesion compared to other functionalized polyurethanes, even after plasma protein pre-adsorption.
Conclusions:
- Glycerophosphorylcholine (GPC) incorporation modifies polyurethane physical properties, including mechanical strength and thermal behavior.
- The GPC-modified polyurethanes demonstrate reduced bacterial adhesion, suggesting improved biocompatibility.
- These findings highlight the potential of GPC-based polyurethanes for applications in biomedical devices requiring enhanced surface properties and reduced microbial colonization.