Atomic force microscope and surface plasmon resonance investigation of polymer blends of poly([2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl] phosphorylcholine-co-lauryl methacrylate) and poly(lauryl methacrylate)

To rationally design new synthetic polymers for use in vivo, it is necessar y to characterize the surface of the material to understand the interaction s that occur when exposed to biological environments. Incorporation of phos phorylcholine (PC) into polymers has been shown to improve biocompatibility by suppressing unfavorable responses which occur on contact with body flui ds. Here, polymer blends of [2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl] phosphorylcholine-co -lauryl methacrylate (MPC-co-LMA(1:6 mole ratio)) and poly(lauryl methacryl ate) (PLMA) have been produced with varying ratios of the two components. T he surface of the blends when coated onto silver has been characterized usi ng tapping mode atomic force microscopy (TMAFM) and surface plasmon resonan ce (SPR). Analysis has revealed that the blends formed by the two polymers are immiscible and exhibit surface segregation with nanometer-sized domains being formed throughout the range of the mixtures. The MPC-co-LMA is prefe rentially expressed at the surface of the blends leading to enhanced protei n-resistant properties.