Biocompatible elastomers composed of segmented polyurethane and 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine polymer

Abstract

To improve the biocompatibility of a segmented polyurethane (SPU), 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC) copolymer was blended in the SPUs, such as Pellethane® and TM-3®, by a solvent evaporation method from a homogeneous solution containing both SPU and MPC copolymer. X-ray electron spectra indicated that the MPC moieties were located at the surface of the SPU membrane blended with the MPC copolymer even when the composition of the MPC copolymer was only 7.5 w/w % against the matrix SPU. The mechanical property of the SPU membranes, as determined by tensile stress-strain measurements, changed very little by addition of the MPC copolymer. Biocompatibility of the MPC copolymer blended membrane was evaluated by plasma protein adsorption and blood cell adhesion on the surface. The amount of fibrinogen adsorbed on the SPU membrane significantly decreased by addition of the MPC copolymers. Moreover, addition of MPC copolymer in the SPU membrane suppressed platelet adhesion and activation. It is concluded that the blending of the MPC copolymer in the SPU membrane is an effective method to improve biocompatibility of the SPU membrane. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.