Revolutionary advances in 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine polymers as biomaterials.

In the last 40 years, many strategies to fabricate biocompatible and antithrombogenic polymers have been proposed, especially in Japan. The development of one such polymers composed of 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine unit, is described in this review, with specific examples of use in biomedical devices. These polymers are typically incorporated into other materials to effectively prevent unfavorable biological responses and reactions. For example, the polymers suppress protein adsorption and cell adhesion to materials in contact with plasma or whole blood, even in the absence of anticoagulant. These properties are due to the extreme hydrophilicity and electrically neutral nature of the polymers, as well as to the ability of phosphorylcholine to induce bulk-like behavior in surrounding waters. Accordingly, these polymers have been used worldwide to modify the surfaces and improve the overall biocompatibility of such medical devices as long-term implantable artificial organs.