Phosphorylcholine-endcapped oligomer and block co-oligomer and surface biological reactivity

Phosphorylcholine (PC)-endcapped oligomer and block co-oligomer were prepared by employing a photoiniferter-based quasi-living polymerization technique. The designed oligomer had a PC polar head group attached to an alkylene chain at one end of the molecule and an oligo(styrene) (oligoST) segment at the other end. In the co-oligomer, an oligo(N,N-dimethylacrylamide) (oligoDMAAm) segment was inserted between both ends of the oligomer mentioned above. Surface coating of these amphiphilic substances, using an appropriate coating procedure, resulted in a very hydrophilic characteristic, suggesting that the oligoST anchored on the substrate and the PC polar head group was exposed to or located on the outer coating layer. Non-cell adhesivity in serum-containing medium was observed, while slightly reduced protein adsorption was observed. Thus, PC-endcapped oligomer and block co-oligomer appear to function as a biocompatible coating.