Hemocompatibility of Hydrogel with Polyethyleneoxide Chains

Abstract

We have synthesized a hydrogel with long polyethyleneoxide (PEO) chains and evaluated its hemocompatibility. The hydrogel significantly suppressed the adsorption of plasma proteins and adhesion of platelets. In addition, the marked retardation of thrombus formation on its surface was recognized. These findings seems to be caused by the volume restriction effects derived from the highly flexible and hydrophilic PEO chains.