A Study of the Phosphorylcholine Polymer Coating of a Polymethylpentene Hollow Fiber Membrane

Abstract

A phosphorylcholine polymer (poly(MPC–co–BMA–co–TSMA), PMBT) was prepared by free radical polymerization and coated on the surface of the polymethylpentene hollow fiber membrane (PMP–HFM). ATR–FTIR and SEM analyses showed that the PMBT polymer containing phosphorylcholine groups was uniformly coated on the surface of the PMP–HFM. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that the PMBT had the best stability when the molar percentage of MPC monomer in the polymer was 35%. The swelling test and static contact angle test indicated that the coating had excellent hydrophilic properties. The fluorescence test results showed that the coating could resist dissolution with 90% (v/v%) ethanol solution and 1% (w/v%) SDS solution. The PMBT coating was shown to be able to decrease platelet adherence to the surface of the hollow fiber membrane, and lower the risk of blood clotting; it had good blood compatibility in tests of whole blood contact and platelet adhesion. These results show that the PMBT polymer may be coated on the surface of the PMP–HFM, and is helpful for improving the blood compatibility of membrane oxygenation.