| Bioactive fluorinated surface modifiers (BFSMs) are additives blended with biomedical polyurethane to generate substrates that have therapeutic or cell-signaling capability. The BFSM technology is derived from surface modifying macromolecules (SMMs), fluorinated oligomers that are immiscible in polyurethanes and migrate to the surface of polyurethane blends, forming a hydrophobic surface that minimizes non-specific biological interactions, thus enhancing biocompatibility.; The SMM was modified to include a bioactive agent that is co-delivered to the surface of a polymer. The BFSM concept was initially demonstrated with the Vitamin E BFSM, which reduced oxidative damage to polycarbonate polyurethane in conditions that mimic in vivo oxidation. Peptide sequences known to promote cell adhesion (RGD) and cell spreading (PHSRN) were conjugated to the BFSM carrier, and were shown to be surface-active using XPS and two-photon microscopy. Human monocytes responded to the peptide BFSM blends, adhering in greater numbers and spreading more substantially than monocytes seeded on virgin polycarbonate polyurethane. Validation of an interaction between BFSM substrates and monocytes was demonstrated. |
