Synthesis and Characterization of Non-Fouling Polymer Surfaces: I. Radiation Grafting of Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate and Polyethylene Glycol Methacrylate onto Silastic Film

Abstract

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) surfaces have been shown to be resistant to fouling by adsorbed proteins and cells. We have studied radiation induced graft copoly merization of hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) monomer and different molecular weight polyethylene glycol methacrylate (PEGMA) and methoxy PEGMA (MPEGMA) macromers onto Silastic film. The extent of grafting and chemical composition of the graft were found to be dependent on the HEMA/PEGMA ratio and the molecular weight of PEGMA. The influence of PEGMA molecular weight on grafting is explained in terms of both steric hin drance of PEG chains and the effect of radiation on the pendant polyether chains. Furthermore, the reactivity ratios in conventional copolymerizations initiated by y-ray or chemical initiators have been evaluated and compared with grafting reactivity ratios. The formation of interpenetrating chains was verified through microscopic observation of the cross section of the grafted film.