Abstract
Development of surface modification method providing biocompatibility is one of main subjects in the field of artificial organs. In this report, we present a novel graft polymerization method, which permits surface modification of complex-shaped devices. This method consists of three steps: i) photochemical fixation of poly (allylamine), ii) chemical fixation of radical polymerization initiator onto poly (allylamine), iii) surface graft polymerization. Poly (allylamine) was partially modified with p-azidobenzoyloxy succinimide. The resultant photoreactive polymer was chemically-fixed on substrates by UV-irradiation. The amino groups chemically-fixed on substrates were subsequently condensed with 4, 4'-azobis(4-cyanovaleric acid) by water-soluble carbodiimide. The graft polymerization was carried out at 60 C. Two examples of graft polymerization were demonstrated. One was styrene graft polymerization on poly (vinyl alcohol) surface, and the other was acrylamide graft polymerization on poly (ethylene terephthalate). ESCA analysis and water contact angle measurement evidenced that these surfaces were grafted on only irradiated portions. Nobel surface graft polymerization method could have potential versatility for surface modification of fabricated devices.
