Reduction of biofilm formation through surface segregation of semi-crystalline shape memory polymers in the binary polymer blend
발표자
이상민 (연세대학교)
연구책임자
성학준 (연세대학교)
이강석 (티엠디랩)
초록
내용
Various polymer-based implantable medical devices have contributed to improving the quality of life. However, conventional medical grade polymers were formed biofilm by bacterial adhesion in the body, leading to reduced device performance and severe health complications. In order to secure biofilm-reducing properties, medical grade thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and biocompatible polycaprolactone based shape memory copolymer (PCL-SMP) were blended. Surface characterization using FT-IR, XPS, and contact angle measurements revealed that PCL-SMP preferentially segregated to the surface of the blend. In-vitro experiments showed that biofilm formation was reduced by approximately 45% compared to conventional TPU. For In-vivo study, we fabricated TPU/PCL-SMP tubular type samples and biocompatible tube inserted into the bile duct of a pig model to confirm patency.