A strategy
for the synthesis of new cross-linkable bimodal amphiphilic grafts
(bAPGs) was developed. These grafts are of hydrophilic PDMAAm backbones
carrying low (M
n ∼ 17 200
g/mol) and high (M
n ∼ 117 000
g/mol) molecular weight hydrophobic PDMS branches, each branch carrying
a vinylsilyl end-group. The bAPGs were cross-linked by Karstedt catalyst
to bimodal amphiphilic conetworks (bAPCNs) by the use of polyhydrosiloxane-co-PDMS as the cross-linker. Membranes prepared from bAPCNs
exhibit mechanical properties surprisingly superior to earlier APCNs
prepared with APGs with monomodal low molecular weight branches. Membrane
bimodality controls surface morphology and topography by means of
elastic wrinkling instability during film formation. Semipermeable
bAPCN membranes with precisely controlled nanochannel dimensions were
prepared so as to allow rapid insulin diffusion and prevent passage
of IgG. bAPCN membranes were designed for immunoprotection of live
pancreatic islets and are thus key components for a bioartificial
pancreas.
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