Hemocompatible Control of Sulfobetaine-Grafted Polypropylene Fibrous Membranes in Human Whole Blood via Plasma-Induced Surface Zwitterionization

Abstract

In this work, the hemocompatibility of zwitterionic polypropylene (PP) fibrous membranes with varying grafting coverage of poly(sulfobetaine methacrylate) (PSBMA) via plasma-induced surface polymerization was studied. Charge neutrality of PSBMA-grafted layers on PP membrane surfaces was controlled by the low-pressure and atmospheric plasma treatment in this study. The effects of grafting composition, surface hydrophilicity, and hydration capability on blood compatibility of the membranes were determined. Protein adsorption onto the different PSBMA-grafted PP membranes from human fibrinogen solutions was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with monoclonal antibodies. Blood platelet adhesion and plasma clotting time measurements from a recalcified platelet-rich plasma solution were used to determine if platelet activation depends on the charge bias of the grafted PSBMA layer. The charge bias of PSBMA layer deviated from the electrical balance of positively and negatively charged moieties can be well-controlled via atmospheric plasma-induced interfacial zwitterionization and was further tested with human whole blood. The optimized PSBMA surface graft layer in overall charge neutrality has a high hydration capability and keeps its original blood-inert property of antifouling, anticoagulant, and antithrmbogenic activities when it comes into contact with human blood. This work suggests that the hemocompatible nature of grafted PSBMA polymers by controlling grafting quality via atmospheric plasma treatment gives a great potential in the surface zwitterionization of hydrophobic membranes for use in human whole blood.

Development of zwitterionic sulfobetaine block copolymer conjugation strategies for reduced platelet deposition in respiratory assist devices

“…These limitations of PC coatings challenge widespread integration into extracorporeal devices, leading to exploration of alternative zwitterionic polymers. SB polymers in particular have shown promise, with comparable improvements in hemocompatibility and platelet deposition to PC counterparts at a lower price with higher stability …”

Structures and Synthesis of Zwitterionic Polymers

“…In particular, the latter profits from the facile incorporation of reactive groups in special positions, e.g., in the center or at the ends of the polymers, that enable efficient attachment of the macromolecules onto the substrates. Still, classical grafting-from [318][319][320][321][322][323][324][325][326][327][328][329][330][331][332][333][334][335], grafting-to [336][337][338][339][340][341][342][343][344][345][346], and grafting-through [316,347] procedures are of course continuously in use, especially in industrial applications, where the activation of the surfaces for the grafting process by physical means or by simple, "unpretentious" chemistry is preferred for reasons of experience, cost and high-throughput.…”

Zwitteration: Coating Surfaces with Zwitterionic Functionality to Reduce Nonspecific Adsorption

“…63 Bacterial adhesion was also inhibited. 64 Since about 2009 the number of works employing graft polymerization of polyzwitterions from/to surfaces has increased dramatically, as witnessed by grafting from silicon nitride, 49,65 polypropylene membranes, 66 various surfaces using a bioinspired peptide initiator, 67 indium tin oxide conducting glass, 48 gold, 68 hydrogels, 69 filtration membranes, 70 conducting polymers, 71 cellulose membranes, 72 and polysulfone membranes. 73 …”