The biocompatibility and hydrophilicity evaluation of collagen grafted poly(dimethylsiloxane) and poly (2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate) blends

Poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) was modified with poly (2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA) by a blending method in order to enhance the hydrophilicity and biocompatibility. Collagen (type I) was also linked onto the modified films via methyl sulfonyl chloride. Collagen finally reacted with the activated groups to obtain covalently linked protein layers. The surface morphologies of polymer blends were characterised using ATR-FTIR, XPS and SEM. DMTA analysis and tensile testing were used to investigate the physical and mechanical properties of the blends. Water uptake and water contact angle measurements were performed on the polymer blends in order to evaluate their surface wettability. The biocompatibility of samples was evaluated by culturing fibroblast cells (L929). Grafting of collagen onto the surface was confirmed using ATR-FTIR and XPS. The mechanical properties of modified PDMS did not change greatly in comparison to pure samples. Collagen linked surfaces showed significant cell adhesion and growth.