Effect of interfacial physical properties of poly(vinyl ether) hydrogel films on their bio-inertness

Excellent bio-inert properties of polymers are closely associated with aggregation states and dynamics of chains at the water interface. Recently, we have demonstrated that a diblock copolymer of rubbery poly(2-methoxyethyl vinyl ether) (PMOVE) and glassy poly(cyclohexyl vinyl ether) constructed the segregation layer of PMOVE at the water interface in a film state, leading to a successful suppression of platelet adhesion. Although such a soft layer seems to play a key role in blood-compatibility, that is not out of speculation. In this study, we prepared a cross-linked hydrogel of PMOVE in thin films by a copolymerization of MOVE and 2-(vinyloxy)ethyl methacrylate (VEM) and a subsequent photo cross-linking reaction. By changing cross-linking density, the swelling extent and the resultant elasticity of the hydrogel films near the water interface were well-controlled. Combining this information with results of platelet adhesion test, our understanding of blood-compatibility proceeds further.
Excellent bio-inert properties of polymers are closely associated with aggregation states and dynamics of chains at the water interface. Recently, we have demonstrated that a diblock copolymer of rubbery poly(2-methoxyethyl vinyl ether) (PMOVE) and glassy poly(cyclohexyl vinyl ether) constructed the segregation layer of PMOVE at the water interface in a film state, leading to a successful suppression of platelet adhesion. Although such a soft layer seems to play a key role in blood-compatibility, that is not out of speculation. In this study, we prepared a cross-linked hydrogel of PMOVE in thin films by a copolymerization of MOVE and 2-(vinyloxy)ethyl methacrylate (VEM) and a subsequent photo cross-linking reaction. By changing cross-linking density, the swelling extent and the resultant elasticity of the hydrogel films near the water interface were well-controlled. Combining this information with results of platelet adhesion test, our understanding of blood-compatibility proceeds further.