Surface properties of a specifically modified high-grade medical polyurethane

A high-grade medical polyurethane (PUR) was specifically modified to mimic the vascular vessel lumen. Since vascular endothelium represents a unique non-thrombogenic surface, we developed a surface modification process to design a new PUR surface which promotes endothelial cell adhesion. Biologically active synthetic RGD-containing peptide has been covalently coupled on the PUR surface. In order to optimise the RGD coupling, intermediate steps of PUR surface modification, such as plasma functionalisation and spacer polysaccharide grafting were investigated. Surface topography and friction images, chemistry and wettability differences of individual modification steps were controlled using atomic and lateral force microscopy, angle-resolved X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and static contact angle measurements. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells adhesion tests were performed in vitro on all the samples. Only the RGD-containing peptide-grafted PUR has shown the endothelial cell attachment with an almost entire coverage of the surface substrate.