A novel biomaterial: poly(dimethylsiloxane)-polyamide multiblock copolymer I. Synthesis and evaluation of blood compatibility.

Aramid-silicone resins (PASs) consisting of aromatic polyamide (aramid) and poly(dimethyl-siloxane) (PDMS) segments were synthesized by low temperature solution polycondensation. For the evaluation of blood compatibility in vitro, two kinds of experiments were carried out. One was the thromboxane B2(TXB2) release test from platelets attaching to PAS and Biomer. The other was the observation of the platelet adhesion on the surfaces of PAS by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results indicated that PAS was bio-inert in vitro. The surface chemical composition of PAS films was investigated by means of electron probe micro analysis (EPMA), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and dynamic contact angle measurements. The relationship between blood compatibility and surface composition of PAS is discussed.