Synthesis and anticoagulant activity of heparin immobilized "end-on" to polystyrene microspheres coated with end-group activated polyethylene oxide.

Thiol groups were introduced to unfractionated heparin (UFH) and end-aminated heparin (HepNH(2)) by reaction with 2-iminothiolane under conditions favoring selective modification of terminal over primary amines. End-thiolated heparin retained anticoagulant activity as shown by the activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) and anti-Factor Xa (anti-FXa) assays. Thiolated heparins were linked to pyridyl-disulfide activated poly(ethylene oxide)-poly(propylene oxide)-poly(ethylene oxide) triblock copolymers adsorbed to 1.