Novel biomedical polymers for regulating serious biological reactions

Blood compatible polymers are important in creating artificial organs and biomedical devices which can be used clinically more safely and effectively. The molecular design of the novel blood compatible polymers is carried out with attention to create a biomembrane-mimicking surface on biomedical devices. Polymers with phospholipid polar groups, 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC) polymer was prepared by radical polymerization of the MPC with other hydrophobic methacrylate. The MPC polymer constructed a biomembrane-like surface when they contacted with plasma, because of their strong affinity to natural phospholipids. The surface could suppress protein adsorption and subsequent platelet adhesion and activation. That means the MPC polymers have the potential for improving the blood compatibility of the biomedical devices. The application of the MPC polymers to modify the biomedical devices is also discussed.