Polymer modification and blood compatibility.

Abstract

Two procedures have been examined for altering the blood compatibility of copolymers of dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate, where blood compatibility has been measured by the recalcification time of platelet rich plasma. The improvement in blood compatibility of a copolymer of dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate and methyl methacrylate resulting from contact with heparin has been shown to be dependent on both copolymer composition and the method of polymerization. The hydrophilicity of a copolymer of dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate and acrylonitrile has been altered by reaction with ethylene oxide gas. The relationship between time of exposure to ethylene oxide gas. The relationship between time of exposure to ethylene oxide gas and clotting time indicates a dependence of compatibility on copolymer hydrophilicity.