Synthesis and Thrombogenicity Evaluation of Poly(3-methoxypropionic acid vinyl ester): A Candidate for Blood-Compatible Polymers.

A poly(vinyl acetate) derivative, poly(3-methoxypropionic acid vinyl ester) (PMePVE), was synthesized to develop a new candidate for blood compatible polymers. The monomer MePVE was synthesized by a simple two-step reaction, and then the MePVE was polymerized via free radical polymerization to obtain PMePVE. Human platelet adhesion tests were performed to evaluate the thrombogenicity, and the platelet adhesion was suppressed on the PMePVE-coated substrate. To determine the expression of the nonthrombogenicity of the PMePVE, the plasma protein adsorption and a conformationally altered state of fibrinogen were analyzed by a microBCA assay and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The adsorption and denaturation of the plasma proteins were inhibited on the PMePVE; thus, PMePVE exhibited blood compatibility. A distinctive hydration water structure in the nonthrombogenic polymer, intermediate water (IW), was observed in the hydrated PMePVE by differential scanning calorimetry analysis. The nonthrombogenicity of PMePVE is considered to be brought about by the presence of IW.