SAS scientists developed new layers to protect implantable materials
Undesirable interactions of medical materials after implantation in the human body lead to a decrease in therapeutic or diagnostic effectiveness and can also lead to inflammatory reactions. Therefore, it is important to develop the possibilities of protecting implantable materials against the response of the immune system of the host organism.
"In our joint research with the Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, we developed a new type of thin hydrogel layers covalently bonded to various substrates. As the basic material, we used a statistical copolymer based on poly(2-methyl-2-oxazoline) in combination with a monomer containing multiple bonds. The cross-linking of the copolymer and its attachment to the surface was carried out in one step using electron beta radiation," said Juraj Kronek of the Polymer Institute SAS.
According to the scientist, the advantage of this method is the ability to adjust the thickness and stiffness of the hydrogel layers using the dose of radiation and the composition of the copolymer.
"Our results showed that in this way, it was possible to prevent unwanted cell adhesion, which contributes to increasing the biocompatibility of modified materials. Another advantage of the mentioned approach is its practical feasibility, since sources of electron radiation are commonly used in hospitals," added the scientist.
More information about the research is available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apsusc.2023.157061
Spracovala: Monika Tináková
Foto: Juraj Kronek, Ústav polymérov SAV, v. v. i.