Efficient One-Step Passivation of Polyurethane Using Transurethanization

The uncontrolled accumulation of biological materials on the surface of medical devices through protein adsorption or cell adhesion causes adverse biological reactions in the living host system, leading to complications. In this study, poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) is successfully grafted onto polyurethane (PU) surfaces by using a new strategy through a simple and efficient transurethanization reaction. The PEG hydroxyl group is deprotonated and then reacted with the PU surface to provide antiadhesive hydrophilic surfaces in a single step. Surface analysis techniques proved the grafting to be efficient and the formation of a hydrophilic polymeric layer at the surface of PU. Biological assays showed that the surface modification induced lower protein adsorption, cell, platelet, and bacterial adhesion than untreated surfaces, showing a potential for biomedical applications.

Automated summary

In this study, poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) was successfully grafted onto polyurethane (PU) surfaces using a simple and efficient transurethanization reaction. The surface modification resulted in the formation of antiadhesive hydrophilic surfaces, which showed lower protein adsorption, cell, platelet, and bacterial adhesion compared to untreated surfaces. This study demonstrates the potential of the modified surfaces for biomedical applications.