Abstract
Summary—This article surveys the authors' investigations on microphase-separated membrane-forming synthetic block copolymers containing polypeptide blocks, as materials with potential towards their biomedical applications in surgical prosthetic devices. Hydrophobic and amphipathic types of ABA block copolymers are dealt with. Theoretical considerations are made on the formation of novel microheterophase structures as revealed by peptide-elastomer-peptide type block copolymers, the mechanical and dynamic mechanical behaviors of the membranes, and on the surface characterization of, and plasma protein adsorption on, the block copolymer membranes. In the light of information on the molecular and cellular levels, some properties required for biomedical applications, such as antithrombogenicity, biocompatibility and biodegradation, are discussed on the basis of in vitro and in vivo tests.
Published Version
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