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Covalent Modification of Surfaces with Polymers to Increase Biocompatibility

Detailed Technology Description

None

*Abstract

Described here is a technique for covalently modifying tissue and cellular surfaces to inhibit cell adhesion. The process described is conducted under conditions tolerable in vivo and employs a biocompatible polymer having a reactive group attached to at least one end that reacts with groups present or on tissue and cellular surfaces under aqueous and mild conditions and thereby covalently attaches the polymer to the tissue or cellular surface. Preferably, the reactive group attached to the polymer reacts with amines and hydroxyls present on tissue and cellular surfaces. In one preferred embodiment, the methods described here provide for the covalent modification of tissue and cellular surfaces using a PEG-diisocyanate solution. The methods described are particularly useful in impairing platelet and leukocyte deposition in blood vessels and thereby thwarting thrombosis and restenosis, a common complication of vascular procedures including PTCA and vascular surgery. Furthermore, by masking the tissue surface proteins from blood elements, these methods are useful in decreasing graft thrombogenicity and reducing the complications of vascular surgery. Finally the methods reduce the immunogenicity of transplanted tissues and cells and thereby reduce the need for immunosuppressive therapy. With respect to photopolymerizable arterial gel coating used by other investigators, the technique described here is superior for a variety of reasons. For example, the polymer covalent modification strategy does not require a light source or photoinitiators associated with the photopolymerizable gel technique. Furthermore, because the technique provides for direct attachment of the polymer to surface proteins, the polymer is removed slowly as the vessel naturally remodels. The gel described in the prior art relies upon scission of biodegradable linkages within the polymer for gel breakdown. The technique described here appears to have a lower likelihood of generating potentially damaging emboli in the healing process.

*Principal Investigator

Name: Eric Beckman, Professor

Department: Chem/Petroleum Engineering

Name: Christopher Deible

Department: Med-Radiology

Name: Alan Russell, Highmark Distinguished Career Professor

Department: Biomedical Engineering

Name: William Wagner, Assistant Professor of Surgery

Department: Med-Surgery

Country/Region

USA