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A photochemical method for the surface modification of poly(etherurethanes) with phosphorylcholine-containing
A P van der Heiden1, D Goebbels, A P Pijpers
1Center for Biomaterials Research, Maastricht University, The Netherlands.
Journal of Biomedical Materials Research
|November 14, 1997
Summary
Attaching phosphorylcholine groups to poly(etherurethane) surfaces via a photochemical method enhances hemocompatibility. This modification significantly prolonged clotting times and reduced platelet adhesion, indicating improved blood compatibility for medical applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Surface Chemistry
Background:
- Phosphorylcholine groups are known to enhance hemocompatibility when grafted onto polymer surfaces.
- Poly(etherurethane) (PEU) is a common biomaterial, but its hemocompatibility can be limited.
- Developing effective methods to functionalize PEU surfaces with hemocompatible groups is crucial for biomedical devices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a photochemical method for covalently attaching phosphorylcholine-containing molecules to PEU surfaces.
- To assess the impact of surface modification on the hemocompatibility of PEU.
- To correlate surface properties with hemocompatibility performance.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of two phosphorylcholine-terminated aryl azides with different spacer chains (triethylene glycol and hexanediol).
- Photochemical coupling of aryl azides to PEU surfaces via UV irradiation.
- Characterization of surface modification using underwater contact angle measurements and Electron Spectroscopy for Chemical Analysis (ESCA).
- In vitro hemocompatibility testing including thrombin generation assays and platelet adhesion studies.
Main Results:
- Photochemical modification successfully introduced phosphorylcholine groups onto PEU surfaces, evidenced by decreased contact angles and ESCA analysis.
- Modified PEU surfaces exhibited prolonged clotting times in thrombin generation assays compared to unmodified surfaces.
- Platelet adhesion and activation were significantly reduced on the phosphorylcholine-modified PEU surfaces.
- Hemocompatibility improvements correlated with the concentration of phosphorylcholine groups on the surface.
Conclusions:
- Photochemical coupling is an effective strategy for grafting phosphorylcholine groups onto PEU surfaces.
- The modified surfaces demonstrate significantly improved hemocompatibility in vitro.
- This approach offers a promising route for developing more biocompatible polyurethane-based medical materials.