BIOACTIVE SURFACE MODIFIERS FOR POLYMERS AND ARTICLES MADE THEREFROM

摘要

Novel polymeric additives (termed bioactive fluoroalkyl surface modifiers (BFSM)) possessing intramolecular properties (endowed by distinct chemical functiona l groups) of biological activity and affinity for polymeric surfaces, for use in admixture with a polymer, preferably a biomedical polymer. The additive comprises a polymer compatible surface modifying macromolecule made up of four essential moeties , namely, a central portion comprising oligomeric segments (< 10,000 absolu te molecular weight) (oligo) and, optionally, link molecules (linkA) capable of covalentl y coupling the oligo, such that the central portion is compatible with the polymeric material to which the bioactive SMM is to be added, a.alpha.-.omega. terminal polyfluoro oligomeric groups (fluoro), coupling link molecules (linkB) wherein linkB provides primary functional groups able to chemically couple with oligo and fluoro as well as simultaneously having secondary functional chemistry for coupling a drug or bioactive moeties, and , finally, pendent drug or biologically active agents (Bio) coupled to linkB. The composition is of use in providing articles having bioactive surface properties, particular ly for use in medical devices, promoting cell function and regulation, tissue integration, pro-active blood compatibility and specifically anti-coagulant/platelet function, biostability function, anti-microbial function and anti-inflammatory function. Specific application areas of the technology include the biomedical and biotechnology sectors.