Efficient One-Step Passivation of Polyurethane Using Transurethanisation.

The uncontrolled accumulation of biological materials on the surface of medical devices through protein adsorption or cell adhesion causes adverse biological reactions in the living host system, leading to complications. In this study, poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) was successfully grafted onto polyurethane surfaces by using a new strategy through a simple and efficient transurethanisation reaction. The PEG hydroxyl group was deprotonated and then reacted with the polyurethane surface to provide antiadhesive hydrophilic surfaces in a single step. Surface analysis techniques proved the grafting to be efficient and the formation of a hydrophilic polymeric layer at the surface of polyurethane. Biological assays showed that the surface modification induced lower protein adsorption, cell, platelet and bacterial adhesion than untreated surfaces, showing a potential for biomedical applications. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.