Zwitterionic Polysiloxane-Urethane Urea Copolymers for Preventing Protein and Platelet Adhesion
The technology employs polysiloxane elastomers and poly(urethane urea) copolymers functionalized with sulfobetaine (zwitterionic) side chains to resist nonspecific protein and platelet adhesion. It can be synthesized via hydrosilylation of vinyl-terminated poly(dialkylsiloxane) with a diallyl sulfobetaine macromer using platinum or ruthenium catalysts, or by copolymerizing a PDMS diol, a diisocyanate, a tertiary amine alkyl diol, and a PDMS diamine followed by post-functionalization with cyclic sulfonates. These materials exhibit reduced fibrinogen adsorption and platelet deposition, no hemolysis or cytotoxicity, and can be applied by electrospinning, dip or spray coating onto stents, catheters, vascular grafts, microfluidic devices, and gas-exchange membranes.
Description
The integration of zwitterionic sulfobetaine groups into a PDMS-based backbone differentiates this approach by combining the mechanical resilience and biostability of polysiloxanes with the superior antifouling properties of zwitterions. Unlike conventional PDMS surfaces that rapidly adsorb proteins and trigger thrombogenesis, these materials maintain low fouling in blood-contacting environments over extended periods. The dual synthetic routes enable tailoring of polymer composition and processing options, while the poly(urethane urea) segments impart additional strength and versatility, making this platform uniquely suited for next-generation blood-compatible medical devices.Applications
- Antithrombogenic stent coatings- Hemocompatible catheter coatings
- Vascular graft surface coatings
- Heart valve surface coatings
- Microfluidic device coatings
Advantages
- Reduced protein adsorption and platelet deposition for enhanced hemocompatibility- No hemolysis or cytotoxicity, ensuring biocompatibility
- Biostable elastomeric coating suitable for long-term blood-contacting use
- Versatile processing methods (electrospinning, dip or spray coating) for diverse applications
- Compatible with a broad range of devices (stents, catheters, grafts, valves, microfluidics, gas-exchange membranes)