Synthesis and characteristics of thromboresistant copolymers having PEG/PEG-SO3

Abstract

The amphiphilic random copolymers containing poly(ethylene glycol)(PEG)/sulfonated poly(ethylene glycol)(PEG-SO3) have I,een developed: hydrophilic component of PEG/PEG-SO3 and hydrophobic component of octadecyl acrylate (OA). These copolymers can be applied as coatings or processing additives for medical devices and implants. The structures of synthesized copolymers were confirmed by FTIR, NMR, and elemental analysis. Physical results obtained from ATR-FTIR, thermal analysis, viscosity and GPC measurement demonstrated the characteristics of new copolymers. It was revealed from dynamic contact angle measurements that the surface of polyurethane (PU) was more hydrophilic by coating with copolymers. From in vitro platelet adhesion studies, copolymers-coated PUs showed lower platelet adhesion than did untreated PU. In addition, lower platelets adhered on PEG-SO3 surfaces as compared to PEG surfaces. Obtained results suggest the usefulness of copolymers as coating materials or surface modifying additives to improve the blood compatibility of medical devices.