Phosphorylcholine modified chitosan: Appetent and safe material for cells

In this paper, the synthesis, characterization, and properties of a novel biodegradable polymer with improved hemocompatibility is reported. It was synthesized by combining chitosan with phosphorylcholine (PC) groups through a heterogeneous reaction process. The structure of the obtained polymer was confirmed using solid state 13C NMR, 31P NMR, and elemental analysis. The phosphorylcholine modification increased water absorption while it decreases bovine serum albumin (BSA) adsorption of chitosan. Some biological properties of the resulting polymer (PC-chitosan) were tested and compared with native chitosan. The hemocompatibility of PC-chitosan was estimated using full human blood. Better resistance to coagulation was observed during the blood contacting process, with prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT). Material-cell interaction was evaluated using human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Good biocompatibility and cytophilicity of PC-chitosan was observed with less influence to cell differentiation and multiplication.