Synthesis, characterization and platelet adhesion studies of novel ion-containing aliphatic polyurethanes

Two novel ion-containing aliphatic polyurethanes based on 4,4′-methylene dicyclohexyl diisocyanate (H12MDI), polytetramethyl oxide (PTMO) were synthesized using either sulfonated or carboxylated chain extender. The nonionic polyurethane chain extended with 1,4-butanediol, which is denoted as H–M–BD, was synthesized. Pellethane®, a biomedical-grade polyurethane, was also studied for comparison. The polymerʹs bulk, surface, and platelet-contacting properties were studied using Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometry, differential scanning calorimetry, water absorption analysis, electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis, static contact angle analysis, and in vitro platelet adhesion experiments. The effects of ion incorporation on the morphology, surface properties and blood compatibility are discussed. Unlike MDI-based Pellethane®, all H12MDI-based polyurethanes are not composed of crystalline hard segment domain but are amorphous. The ionic polyurethanes exhibit a smaller fraction of hydrogen-bonded carbonyl groups, poorer phase separation, smaller fraction of PTMO residing at the surface, and smaller contact angle; however, significant higher water absorption value than H–M–BD and Pellethane®. The in vitro platelet adhesion experiments indicated that ion incorporation, especially for carboxylate, significantly reduced the number and the degree of activation of the adherent platelets.