In situ synthesis of hybrid nanocomposite with highly order arranged amorphous metallic copper nanoparticle in poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) and its potential for blood-contact uses

A hybrid consisting of a highly ordered nanostructure of metallic Cu(0) nanoparticles embedded in a poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (pHEMA) matrix was successfully synthesized by in situ photopolymerization, followed by in situ chemical reduction. The evolution of an ordered nanostructure of Cu(0) showing a nearly amorphous nature is discussed, and it is proposed that it is due to a coupling interaction between the Cu precursor and the unpaired O of the COOR group, associated with water molecules, among pHEMA molecules. The hybrids showed a negative surface charge and considerable improvement in blood compatibility compared to neat pHEMA and the widely used biomaterial polysulfonate. (C) 2008 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.