Graft copolymerization of polyethylene glycol methacrylate onto polyethylene film and its blood compatibility

In an attempt to produce surfaces that show low levels of adsorption of pro tein and adhesion of platelets, different molecular weights of polyethylene glycol methacrylate (PEG-MA) were grafted onto polyethylene film by a prei rradiation grafting process. The extent of grafting was found to be depende nt on the storage condition of the irradiated polyethylene film, the preirr adiated dose, reaction time and temperature, molecular weight of PEG-MA, an d the type of solvent. The grafting yield was found to decrease rapidly wit h storage time for irradiated polyethylene film stored at room temperature. On the other hand, the grafting yield in the irradiated polyethylene store d at -130 degrees C remained nearly constant up to 20 days after irradiatio n. The grafting yield decreased with an increased PEG-MA. molecular weight. Human plasma protein was adsorbed onto control and PEG-MA-grafted polyethy lene film surfaces, and the relative adsorbed amount of proteins on the sur faces was evaluated by electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis. The ads orbed protein and platelet adhesion on the polyethylene film surface decrea sed rapidly with the grafting yield. (C) 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.