Synthesis, characterization, and biocompatibility of poly (acrylic acid/methyl methacrylate)-grafted-poly (ethylene-co-tetrafluoroethylene) film for prosthetic cardiac valves

The surface of poly (ethylene-co-tetrafluoroethylene) (PETFE) strip was grafted by acrylic acid (AAc) and methyl methacrylate (MMA) onto PETFE skeleton to improve the blood compatibility and reduce thrombogenicity for prosthesis. The grafting process was carried out via gamma-rays technique as initiator for addition reaction. The optimal conditions were achieved by investigating the effect of different parameters during the grafting process such as exposure to irradiation dose, comonomer concentration, comonomer composition, and solvent. The surface microstructure and composition of copoly (AAc/MMA)-grafted-PETFE surface were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), CHNS/O elemental analyzer, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis (ESCA). Further, heparin was introduced onto the grafted PETFE strip surface. The blood compatibility of modified strip was investigated by the determination of platelet adhesion and thrombus formation. The results indicate that the heparinized copoly (AAc/MMA)-grafted-PETFE sample is a good candidate for manufacturing the prosthetic cardiac valves.