Ion-sensor property and blood compatibility of neutral-carrier-type poly(vinyl chloride) membranes coated by phosphorylcholine polymers

Ion-selective membranes (ion-selective electrodes) were coated by biocompatible polymers, which are copolymers of methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine and an alkyl methacrylate, in order to develop blood compatible ion-selective electrodes. The sensor properties and biocompatibility of the ion-sensors were investigated using two types of alkyl methacrylates with different molecular weights. When the concentration of polymer solution for coating was relatively low, the ISEs showed good sensor properties, which lasted for at least 6 months. When the concentration of polymer solution for coating was relatively high, the coated ion-sensing membranes also showed good biocompatibility, which lasted for about a month. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.