Enhanced hemocompatibility of a PEGilated polycarbonate based segmented polyurethane

The risk of clot formation in blood-contacting devices is a significant concern. Therefore, development of biomaterials with improved hemocompatibility is a clinical need. Altering surface properties is an effective strategy to enhance the hemocompatibility. We have investigated the effect of hydrophilic polyethylene glycol (PEG) amount over the hydrophobic polycarbonate (PC) on hemocompatibility of polyurethanes. The presence of PEG on the surface was evaluated using ATR, AFM, and WCA. At above 20% of PEG to PC ratios, exhibit zero WCA, considerable improvement in hemocompatibility, was achieved. The results indicated the synthesized PUs could be used as coatings of cardiovascular devices.

Automated summary

The study found that adding a certain proportion of hydrophilic polyethylene glycol (PEG) to polyurethane materials can significantly improve the hemocompatibility of the material, which is of great significance for cardiovascular device coatings.