Two Generations Of Synthetic Membranes For Biological/medical Applications
Creator
Kennedy J P; Rosenthal K S; Kashibhatla B
Publisher
Designed Monomers and Polymers
Date
2004
2004
Description
Two generations of amphiphilic membranes synthesized in our laboratories for biologicaUniedical applications are highlighted. Recent results obtained with representative 2nd generation membranes designed specifically for immunoencapsulation of pancreatic islets and cells, are Summarized. The latter tri-component membranes comprise well-defined hydrophilic poly(ethylene glycol) and hydrophobic/oxyphilic polydimethylsiloxane segments crosslinked by oxyphilic polycyclosiloxane domains, which also provide reinforcement. Select membranes are demonstrated to allow the diffusion of glucose and insulin but prevent the permeation of immunoglobulin G. These membranes remain permeable despite long incubation in IgG solution.