Surface properties and hemocompatibility of alkyl-siloxane monolayers supported on silicone rubber: effect of alkyl chain length and ionic functionality

Self-assembled monolayers of alkylsiloxanes supported on poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) rubber were used as model systems to study the relation between blood compatibility and surface composition. The inner lumen of PDMS tubes were first treated with an oxygen plasma. The resultant oxidized surfaces were post-derivatized by reaction with alkyltrichlorosilanes to form the monolayer films. The alkyl chain lengths used were slightly longer than in a previous study, and this may alter the phase-state of the monolayer from liquid-like to crystalline. The chemical properties of the monolayer were controlled by varying the chemical composition of the alkyltrichlorosilanes used. Terminal functionalities included ---CH3, ---CF3, ---COOH, ---SO3H and ---(CH2CH2O)4OH. Surface derivatization was verified with static contact angle measurements and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Blood compatibility was evaluated using a canine ex vivo arterio-venous series shunt model. Surfaces grafted with hydrophobic head groups such as ---CH3 and ---CF3 were significantly less thrombogenic than the surfaces composed of ionic head groups such as ---COOH and ---SO3H. Surfaces enriched in ---(CH2CH2O)4OH had an intermediate thrombogenicity. Silastic pump grade tubing and polyethylene tubing, used as controls, were found to be the least thrombogenic of all the surfaces tested.