Surface wettability and morphology implications on semi-alicyclic polyimide hemocompatibility

A polyimide was synthesized by solution polycondensation of a dianhydride with alicyclic and biocompatible character and an aromatic diamine containing flexible sequences. The obtained polymer was processed into film form by solution casting method. Contact angle measurements were employed to determine the sample surface wettability, which was analyzed in regard with the interactions that take place at polyimide-blood interface. The latter were assessed from the balance between the forces of adhesion and cohesion of blood components on sample surface. The film morphological features were investigated by atomic force microscopy, revealing a porous surface that is suitable for biomedical purposes as membrane oxygenators or hemodialysis membranes.