Structure-property studies on carbohydrate-derived polymers for use as protein-resistant biomaterials.

Here we describe structure-property studies on our carbohydrate-derived side-chain ether polymers as protein-resistant biomaterials. A series of side-chain ether polymers, including two polyesters and two polyamides, were prepared by condensation polymerization of monomers derived from simple carbohydrates. The two side-chain permethoxylated polyesters having different stereochemical repeating units demonstrate excellent resistance toward nonspecific protein adsorption as shown by surface plasmon resonance, indicating that the polymer stereochemistry does not have much effect on its protein-resistant properties.

The regulation of osteogenesis by ECM rigidity in MC3T3-E1 cells requires MAPK activation.

Once thought to provide only structural support to tissues by acting as a scaffold to which cells bind, it is now widely recognized that the extracellular matrix (ECM) provides instructive signals that dictate cell behavior. Recently we demonstrated that mechanical cues intrinsic to the ECM directly regulate the behavior of pre-osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells. We hypothesized that one possible mechanism by which ECM compliance exerts its influence on osteogenesis is by modulating the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway.

A novel carbohydrate-derived side-chain polyether with excellent protein resistance.

A novel carbohydrate-derived side-chain polyether was synthesized as a new biomaterial by condensation polymerization of monomers derived from natural occurring carbohydrates. Surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy studies demonstrated that this side-chain polyether has excellent resistance to nonspecific protein adsorption. The protein resistant capability of the side-chain polyether is comparable to that of oligoethylene glycol, a main-chain polyether that is, to date, the best protein resistant material.