In situ synthesis of hybrid nanocomposite with highly order arranged amorphous metallic copper nanoparticle in poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) and its potential for blood-contact uses

A hybrid consisting of a highly ordered nanostructure of metallic Cu(0) nanoparticles embedded in a poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (pHEMA) matrix was successfully synthesized by in situ photopolymerization, followed by in situ chemical reduction. The evolution of an ordered nanostructure of Cu(0) showing a nearly amorphous nature is discussed, and it is proposed that it is due to a coupling interaction between the Cu precursor and the unpaired O of the COOR group, associated with water molecules, among pHEMA molecules. The hybrids showed a negative surface charge and considerable improvement in blood compatibility compared to neat pHEMA and the widely used biomaterial polysulfonate.