Surface modification of polypyrrole films via grafting of poly(ethylene glycol) for improved biocompatibility

Abstract

Modification of polypyrrole (PPY) films in the salt and deprotonated forms was carried out via UV-induced surface graft copolymerization with methoxy-poly(ethylene glycol) monomethacrylate (PEGMA) macromonomer. Contact angle and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) measurements were used to characterize the surface-modified PPY films. The biocompatibility of the PEGMA polymer-modified films was compared to that of the pristine films based on their ability to reduce protein adsorption, platelet adhesion and blood coagulation (antithrombogenicity property). The studies performed showed that the graft-modified films exhibited excellent biocompatibility based on all three criteria.