Silicon rubber grafted with hydrophilic and thermoresponsive poly(DEGMA‐co‐OEGMA) with improved hemo‐ and cyto‐compatibility

Abstract

AbstractThe grafting of thermo‐responsive, hydrophilic, hemo‐ and biocompatible poly(DEGMA‐co‐OEGMA) onto silicone rubber was carried out by the gamma‐radiation pre‐irradiation method. The size of the grafted chains was controlled using 4‐cyano‐4‐(propylsulfanylthiocarbonyl)sulfanyl pentanoic acid as RAFT agent. Different graft parameters were evaluated to obtain an adequate grafting percentage which allows combining the features of both the matrix and the grafted polymers. The controlled process was confirmed by GPC analysis of the homopolymers formed during the grafting process as by‐products and their molar composition was determined by 1H‐NMR. Grafted materials were characterized by FTIR‐ATR, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, dynamic mechanical analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and optical profilometry, while hydrophilicity and temperature‐responsive behavior were evaluated by water absorbing capacity and contact angle measurements. The obtained materials showed enhanced hydrophilicity and excellent hemo‐ and cytocompatibility as evaluated in terms of hemolysis, thrombus formation, protein adsorption, cell viability, and cytotoxicity. The obtained materials showed potential to be applied in the biomedical field in devices in contact with blood.