# Patent

## Title
Hemocompatible coated polymer and related one-step methods

## Abstract

A polymer with a hemocompatible film or coating is manufactured by a one-step method comprising polymerizing monomer droplets comprising at least one crosslinking agent to form a polymer and simultaneously coating the resulting polymer using at least one dispersing agent to thereby form a hemocompatible coated polymer.

## Background
RELATED APPLICATION
This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/273,249, entitled “Hemocompatible Coated Polymers And Related One-Step Methods” which was filed on Oct. 18, 2002 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,885,829.


BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a polymer with a hemocompatible coating comprising at least one crosslinking agent for making the polymer and at least one dispersing agent whereby the dispersing agent forms a hemocompatible surface coating on the polymer. More specifically, the present invention relates to a hemocompatible coated polymer manufactured by a method comprising simultaneously polymerizing and coating with at least one crosslinking agent for making the polymer and using at least one dispersing agent to form a hemocompatible coated polymer.
2. Description of Related Art
It has been known and practiced in the art of suspension polymerization to manufacture polymers with a hemocompatible coating using a two-step process. In the first step of the two-step process, polymeric beads are manufactured by polymerizing monomer droplets using suspension polymerization. In the second step of the process, a hemocompatibilizing film is applied onto the exterior surface of the polymer to provide the hemocompatible coating. Unlike the prior art, the polymers of the present invention are manufactured using a one step process which utilizes at least one dispersing agent to form a hemocompatible surface coating on the polymer.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a polymer with a hemocompatible coating comprising at least one crosslinking agent for making the polymer and at least one dispersing agent whereby the dispersing agent forms a hemocompatible surface on the polymer. In one embodiment, the dispersing agent comprises a biocompatibilizing polymer.
In another embodiment, the biocompatibilizing polymer comprises poly(N-vinylpyrrolidinone). In still another embodiment, the biocompatibilizing polymer is selected from a group consisting of poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate), poly(hydroxyethyl acrylate), poly(dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate), salts of poly(acrylic acid), salts of poly(methacrylic acid), poly(diethylaminoethyl methacrylate), poly(hydroxypropyl methacrylate), poly(hydroxypropyl acrylate), poly(N-vinylpyrrolidinone), poly(vinyl alcohol) and mixtures thereof. In another embodiment, the salts may be sodium and potassium salts and in still another embodiment, the salts are water-soluble salts.
In yet another embodiment, the dispersing agent is selected from a group consisting of hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypopyl cellulose, poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate), poly(hydroxyethyl acrylate), poly(hydroxypropyl methacrylate), poly(hydroxypropyl acrylate), poly(dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate), poly(dimethylaminoethyl acrylate), poly(diethylamimoethyl methacrylate), poly(diethylaminoethyl acrylate), poly(vinyl alcohol), salts of poly(methacrylic acid), and salts of poly(acrylic acid) and mixtures thereof.
In still another embodiment, the crosslinking agent is selected from a group consisting of divinylbenzene, trivinylbenzene, divinylnaphthalene, trivinylcyclohexane, divinylsulfone, trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate, trimethylolpropane dimethacrylate, trimethylolpropane triacrylate, trimethylolpropane diacrylate, pentaerythrital tetra-, tri-, and dimethacrylates, pentaerythritol tetra-, tri- and diacrylates, dipentaerythritol tetra, tri-, and dimethacrylates, dipentaerythritol tetra-, tri-, and diacrylates, divinylformamide, and mixtures thereof.
In still yet another embodiment, the crosslinking agent comprises divinylbenzene. In a further embodiment, the crosslinking agent comprises trivinylcylohexane. In yet a further embodiment, the crosslinking agent comprises trivinylbenzene.
In still a further embodiment, the crosslinking agent comprises copolymers of divinylbenzene with comonomers being selected from a group consisting of styrene, ethylstyrene, acrylonitrile, butyl methacrylate, octyl methacrylate, butyl acrylate, octyl acrylate, cetyl methacrylate, cetyl acrylate, ethyl methacrylate, ethyl acrylate, vinyltoluene, vinylnaphthalene, vinylbenzyl alcohol, vinylformamide, methyl methacrylate, methyl acrylate and mixtures thereof.
In still yet a further embodiment, the polymer with the hemocompatible surface is a porous polymer. In another further embodiment, the polymer with the hemocompatible surface is an ion exchange polymer. In a further embodiment, the polymer is an affinity polymer. In yet another further embodiment, the biocompatibilizing polymer becomes grafted to the surface of the polymer to provide a polymer with the hemocompatible surface. For purposes of this invention, the term “grafting” is defined as chemically bonded with potential entanglement such that the dispersing agent is physically restricted from leaving the surface of the polymer.
In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a polymer manufactured by a process comprising: simultaneously polymerizing and coating with at least one crosslinking agent for making the polymer and using at least one dispersing agent to form a hemocompatible coated polymer.
For purposes of this invention, the term “hemocompatibility” is defined as a condition whereby a material, when placed in contact with whole blood and blood components or physiological fluids, results in clinically acceptable physiological changes. In another embodiment, the dispersing agent is a biocompatibilizing polymer. A “biocompatibilizing polymer” is defined as a polymer, which forms a surface over a non-biocompatible material, making the polymeric system compatible with physiological fluids and tissues. The term “crossliking agent” is defined as a linking agent such as a polyfunctional monomer that links two or more polymer chains or segments of the same polymer chain together. The term “dispersing agent” is defined as a substance that imparts a stabilizing effect upon a finely divided array of immiscible particles suspended in a fluidizing medium. The immiscible particles can be a solid, liquid or gas and the fluidizing medium can be a liquid or a gas.
In another embodiment, the crosslinking agent is polymerized with at least one vinyl monomer. In a further embodiment, the dispersing agent forms a hemocompatible coating on a surface of the polymer. In yet a further embodiment, the coating of the polymer is equivalent to the surface of the polymer.
In another embodiment, the dispersing agent comprises a biocompatibilizing polymer. In still another embodiment, the biocompatibilizing polymer is poly(N-vinylpyrrolidinone). In another embodiment, the biocompatibilizing polymer is poly(vinyl alcohol). In yet another embodiment, the biocompatibilizing polymer is selected from a group consisting of poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate), poly(hydroxyethyl acrylate), poly(dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate), salts of poly(acrylic acid), salts of poly(methacrylic acid), poly(diethylaminoethyl methacrylate), poly(hydroxypropyl methacrylate), poly(hydroxypropyl acrylate), poly(N-vinylpyrrolidinone), poly(vinyl alcohol) and mixtures thereof. For purposes of this invention, any biocompatibilizing polymer that can function as a dispersant can be used in accordance with this invention.
In a further embodiment, the dispersing agent is selected from a group consisting of hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypopyl cellulose, poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate), poly(hydroxyethyl acrylate), poly(hydroxypropyl methacrylate), poly(hydroxypropyl acrylate), poly(dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate), poly(dimethylaminoethyl acrylate), poly(diethylamimoethyl methacrylate), poly(diethylaminoethyl acrylate), poly(vinyl alcohol), salts of poly (methacrylic acid), and salts of poly(acrylic acid) and mixtures thereof.
In still a further embodiment, the crosslinking agent is selected from a group consisting of divinylbenzene, trivinylbenzene, divinylnaphthalene, trivinylcyclohexane, divinylsulfone, trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate, trimethylolpropane dimethacrylate, trimethylolpropane triacrylate, trimethylolpropane diacrylate, pentaerythrital tetra-, tri-, and dimethacrylates, pentaerythritol tetra-, tri- and diacrylates, dipentaerythritol tetra, tri-, and dimethacrylates, dipentaerythritol tetra-, tri-, and diacrylates, divinylformamide and mixtures thereof. In yet a further embodiment, the crosslinking agent comprises divinylbenzene. In still a further embodiment, the crosslinking agent comprises trivinylbenzene. In still another further embodiment, the crosslinking agent comprises divinylnaphthalene. In yet another further embodiment, the crosslinking agent comprises trivinylcylohexane.
In still yet a further embodiment, the crosslinking agent comprises copolymers of divinylbenzene with comonomers selected from a group consisting of styrene, ethylstyrene, acrylonitrile, butyl methacrylate, octyl methacrylate, butyl acrylate, octyl acrylate, cetyl methacrylate, cetyl acrylate, ethyl methacrylate, ethyl acrylate, vinyltoluene, vinylnaphthalene, vinylbenzyl alcohol, vinylformamide and mixtures thereof.
In still a further embodiment, the polymer is processed in non-pyrogenic water. For purposes of this invention, “non-pyrogenic” shall be defined by U.S.P. 25, Monograph (151) Pyrogenic Test, U.S. Pharmacopeia National Formulary.
In still yet another embodiment, the polymer of the present invention is prepared by suspension polymerization. For purposes of the invention, suspension polymerization is defined as the polymerization of monomer droplets dispersed in an immiscible liquid. Based upon an Elemental Analysis of the Polymer's Surface by X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), the dispersing agent becomes chemically grafting onto the surface of the polymer as the monomer droplets are transformed into polymeric beads. Polymers coated with poly(N-vinylpyrrolidinone) have been found to be biocompatible and hemocompatible. The hemocompatible polymers of the present invention pass the Lee White clotting tests and the tests for the hemolysis of red blood cells.
In another embodiment, the polymer of the present invention is a porous polymer. The term “porous polymer” is defined as a polymer particle having an internal pore structure with a porosity resulting from voids or holes throughout the polymer matrix. In still another embodiment, the polymer is an ion exchange resin or polymer. An ion exchange resin or polymer is a resin or polymer carrying ionogenic groups that are capable of exchanging ions or of sequestering ions. The ion exchange polymers of the present invention are beneficial when used with blood for removing and isolating varying ions and ionogenic molecules.
In still yet another embodiment, the present invention relates to a polymer with a hemocompatibilizing surface coating. In a further embodiment, the coated polymer is manufactured by a one step process comprising: simultaneously coating and polymerizing monomer droplets in a suspension polymerization procedure with at least one dispersing agent having encapsulated the droplets with a hemocompatible coating to thereby form a polymer with a hemocompatible surface-coating grafted onto the surface of the polymer beads.
In another further embodiment, the dispersing agent comprises a biocompatibilizing polymer. In still a further embodiment, the biocompatibilizing polymer is poly(N-vinylpyrrolidinone). In yet a further embodiment, the biocompatibilizing polymer is selected from a group consisting of poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate), poly(hydroxyethyl acrylate), poly(dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate), salts of poly(acrylic acid), salts of poly(methacrylic acid), poly(diethylaminoethyl methacrylate), poly(hydroxypropyl methacrylate), poly(hydroxypropyl acrylate), poly(N-vinylpyrrolidinone), poly(vinyl alcohol) and mixtures thereof In still yet a further embodiment, the polymer geometry comprises beads, spheroids, pellets, granules and mixtures thereof.
In a further embodiment, the monomer droplets are selected from a group consisting of divinylbenzene, styrene, ethylstyrene, acrylonitrile, butyl acrylate, butyl methacrylate, vinyltoluene, vinylnaphthalene, octyl methacrylate, octyl acrylate, cetyl methacrylate, cetyl acrylate, ethyl methacrylate, ethyl acrylate, vinylbenzyl alcohol, vinylformamide and mixtures thereof.
In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a biocompatible and hemocompatible surface coated polymer. In still another embodiment, the method comprises: polymerizing monomer droplets comprising at least one crosslinking agent and simultaneously coating the resulting polymer beads using at least one dispersing agent to form a biocompatible surface coated polymer. In still another embodiment, the coated polymers are hemocompatible. In yet another embodiment, the polymer is formed using a suspension polymerization procedure. In another embodiment, the polymer is formed using an emulsion polymerization procedure followed by growing the particles with additional monomer feed.
In still another embodiment, the present invention relates to an application of use whereby the hemocompatible surface coated polymers of the present invention are utilized for medical applications. In another embodiment, the hemocompatible polymers of the present invention may be used to isolate and/or remove target substances from blood and physiological fluids and for specific treatments. In a further embodiment, the hemocompatible polymers of the present invention may be used in preserving organs. In yet another embodiment, the present invention relates to an apparatus for isolating blood components and for purifying blood using the hemocompatible surface coated polymers of the present invention. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a cartridge containing the hemocompatible polymers of the present invention.
In yet a further embodiment, the present invention relates to a polymer with a hemocompatible surface coating, the polymer being manufactured by a method comprising: polymerizing monomer droplets comprising at least one crosslinking agent to form a polymer and developing a surface coating on the polymer by using at least one dispersing agent carrying hydroxyl groups followed by a reaction of hydroxyl groups with a vinyl monomer or polymer to thereby form the hemocompatible surface coating on the polymer.
In still yet a further embodiment, the present invention also relates to a method of manufacturing a hemocompatible surface coated polymer using a one step process, the method comprising: polymerizing monomer droplets comprising at least one crosslinking agent to form a polymer and developing a surface coating on the polymer by using at least one dispersing agent carrying hydroxyl groups followed by a reaction of hydroxyl groups with a vinyl monomer or polymer to thereby form the hemocompatible surface coating on the polymer.
In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a polymer having a hemocompatible-coated surface, the polymer being manufactured by a two-step process comprising: polymerizing monomer droplets comprising at least one crossliking agent and at least one dispersing agent to form a polymer; and coating the surface of the polymer by crosslinking a monovinyl monomer and a polyfunctional monomer mixture over the surface of the polymer bead to thereby form the hemocompatible coating on the surface of the polymer.
In a further embodiment, the present invention relates to a method comprising: polymerizing monomer droplets comprising at least one crosslinking agent and at least one dispersing agent to form a polymer; and coating the surface of the polymer by crosslinking a monovinyl monomer and a polyfunctional monomer mixture over the surface of the polymer bead to thereby form the hemocompatible coating on the surface of the polymer.
In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a hemocompatible system comprising an organic phase and an aqueous phase, wherein the organic phase composed of the polymerizable monomers and the porogen are dispersed into a slurry of droplets by agitation throughout the aqueous phase which is formulated to effect the stability of the droplets by the water-miscible dispersant and to quench polymer growth in the aqueous phase by carrying a water-soluble free radical inhibitor.


DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodied in various forms. The figures are not necessary to scale, some features may be exaggerated to show details of particular components. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention.
The specific example below will enable the invention to be better understood. However, they are given merely by way of guidance and do not imply any limitation.
EXAMPLE 1 
The first polymer synthesis was targeted at an aqueous to organic volume ratio of 1.0. Table 1 below illustrates the targeted dispersion mixture designed for Example 1 using a fifty (50) liter reaction.







TABLE 1





Dispersion Mixture Desires for 50 Liters
















Aqueous/Organic Volume Ratio
1.0


Volume of Organic Phase, ml
25,000.0


Volume of Aqueous Phase, ml
25,000.0


Density of Organic Phase, g/ml
0.83490


Weight of Organic Phase, g
20,872.5


Density of Aqueous Phase, g/ml
1.005


Weight of Aqueous Phase, g
25,125.0


Polymerizable Monomers, DVB plus EVB, g
8766.45


Total Volume of Organic & Aqueous Phases, ml
50,000.0


Total Weight of Organic & Aqueous Phases, g
45,997.5









The procedure for the polymerization in Example 1 is initiated by the preparation of an aqueous phase and an organic phase. Table 2 and 3 below illustrate the components of the aqueous phase composition for the polymer synthesis by weight percent (%) and by quantity of the components in grams (g), respectively.







TABLE 2





Aqueous Phase Composition


















Ultrapure Water, wt. %
98.089



Water from Aqueous 45% Solution of
0.611



Poly(N-vinylpyrrolidinone), wt. %



Poly(N-vinylpyrrolidinone) Pure, wt. %
0.500



Sodium Carbonate, wt. %
0.500



Sodium Nitrite, wt. %
0.300










Other dispersants, such as poly(vinyl alcohol) have been used as a substitute for the poly(N-vinylpyrrolidinone).







TABLE 3





Aqueous Phase Charges
















Ultrapure Water, g
24,644.83


Water from Aqueous 45% Solution of
(153.542)


Poly(N-vinylpyrrolidinone), g


Poly(N-vinylpyrrolidinone) Pure, g
(125.625)


Aqueous Poly(N-vinylpyrrolidinone) Solution,
279.167


45 wt. %, g


Sodium Carbonate, g
125.625


Sodium Nitrite, g
75.375


Weights in parenthesis are part of other


charged materials



Total Weight of Aqueous Phase, g
25,124.997









Table 4 and 5 illustrate the components of the organic phase composition for the polymer synthesis by weight percent (5) and by quantity of the components in grams (g), respectively.







TABLE 4





Organic Phase Composition
















Divinylbenzene (DVB), wt. %
26.998


Ethylvinylbenzene (EVB), wt. %
15.0024


Inerts, wt. %
0.41567


Toluene, wt. %
27.134


Isooctane, wt. %
30.450


Benzoyl Peroxide, wt. % of polymerizable monomers
1.03









Other immiscible porogens such as isooctane, cyclohexane and nonane have been substituted, both singularly and in combination with one another, for the mixture of toluene and isooctane.







TABLE 5





Organic Phase Charges
















Divinylbenzene, Pure, g
(5635.069)


Ethylvinylbenzene, Pure, g
(3131.381)


Commercial DVB, Dow 63.5%, g
8853.211


Inerts, g
(86.761)


Toluene, g
5663.613


Isooctane, g
6355.676


Weights in parenthesis are part of commercial DVB


Total Weight of Organic Phase, g (excluding BPO)
20,872.50


Benzoyl Peroxide, BPO, Pure, g
90.294


75 weight percent BPO, g
120.393


97 weight oercent BPO, g
93.087









Upon preparation of the aqueous and organic phases, the aqueous phase is introduced into the reactor. The reactor is set at an agitation rate of approximately 86 revolutions per minute. The aqueous phase is then heated to 65 degrees Celsius with agitation and a nitrogen sweep through the headspace in order to displace oxygen from the reactor space. The organic phase is then introduced into the reactor by pouring or pumping the organic phase onto the aqueous phase under agitation at a stirring rate of at least 86 revolutions per minute. The droplet dispersion is then stirred at 86 revolutions per minute for at least fifteen (15) minutes to set the droplet size and allow the droplet slurry to equilibrate as the temperature is raised from about 65 degrees to about 70 degrees Celsius. Once the droplet dispersion is homogenous throughout the reaction volume, the slurry is then heated to about 75 plus or minus 2.0 degrees Celsius and held at that temperature for ten (10) hours.
The slurry is cooled to about 70 degrees Celsius and the stirrer is turned off, and the polymer beads are allowed to collect at the top of the fluid bed. The mother liquor is then removed from the bottom of the reactor via a pump until the bead bed approaches within about one (1) inch from the bottom of the reactor. The mother liquor is discarded.
A sufficient amount of ultrapure water at ambient temperature is added to fluidize the bead bed. The quality of water needed to wash the beads will be approximately one (1) bed volume or about 25 liters of water. Upon adding the water, the stirrer is then restarted and agitated at a stir rate of 106 revolutions per minute for about five (5) minutes. The stirring is stopped and the beads are allowed to collect at the top of the fluid bed.
The liquor is then drained from the bottom of the reactor via a pump until the bead bed approaches within about one (1) inch from the bottom of the reactor. The wash liquor is discarded. The beads are then washed with the ultrapure water for at least five (5) washes or until the bulk fluid is transparent and free of junk polymer (a clear liquor is achieved). The water-wet bead slurry is transferred to a column that is fitted with a solid-liquid separator at the bottom of the column. The separator may be a mesh or screen made from Teflon, nylon, polypropylene, stainless steel, or glass with pore openings in the size from about 100 to about 300 microns.
The porogen mixture is displaced from the beads by a downflow treatment with ten (10) bed volumes of isopropyl alcohol at a flow rate of one (1) bed volume per hour. The isopropyl alcohol is displaced from the beads with water at a downflow treatment with ten (10) bed volumes of ultrapure water (pyrogen and endotoxin free) at a flow rate of one (1) bed volume per hour. The polymer beads are then transferred from the column into plastic containers for transport to the thermal steam-flux cleaner.
EXAMPLE 2 
Experiments were performed using the polymer beads manufactured by the polymerization procedures described in Example 1 and the measured results on the polymer products are illustrated in Tables 6–7 set forth below:







TABLE 6





Experimental Program: Input



























Sample
Sample
Sample
Sample
Sample
Sample
Sample
Sample
Sample
Sample
Sample



ID
ID
ID
ID
ID
ID
ID
ID
ID
ID
ID


















LDM
02-001
02-004
02-006
02-008
02-010
02-012
02-015
02-016
02-017
02-022
02-025





Organic phase Composition


Monomer (DVB &EVB) Wt. %
42.0
42.0
42.0
42.0
40.7
50.0
40.0
40.0
45.0
45.0
45.0


Porogen Wt. %
58.0
58.0
58.0
58.0
59.3
50.0
60.0
60.0
55.0
55.0
55.0


Porogen/Monomer Ratio
1.3810
1.3810
1.3810
1.3810
1.457
1.000
1.500
1.500
1.222
1.222
1.222


Benzoyl Peroxide (BPO)
1.03
1.03
1.03
1.03
1.03
1.03
1.03
1.03
1.03
1.03
1.03


Wt. %


Porogen Composition


Isooctane, Wt. %
52.5
52.5
52.5
52.5
53.5
60.0
99.327
99.327
99.174
99.174
99.174


Toluene, Wt. %
46.769
46.769
46.769
46.769
45.81
38.99
0
0
0
0
0


Inerts, Wt. %
0.731
0.731
0.731
0.731
0.693
1.010
0.6734
0.826
0.826
0.826
0.726


Toluene plus Inerts, Wt. %
47.5
47.5
47.5
47.5
46.5
40.0
—
—
—
—
—


Isooctane/Toluene plus Inerts
1.105
1.105
1.105
1.105
1.1505
1.500
—
—
—
—
—


Ratio


Aquoeus phase


Composition


Sodium Carbonate, Wt. %
0.500
0.500
0.500
0.500
0.500
0.500
0.500
0.500
0.500
0.500
0.500


Sodium Nitrate, Wt. %
0.300
0.300
0.300
0.300
0.300
0.300
0.300
0.300
0.300
0.300
0.300


Poly(N-Vinylpyrrolidione) Wt. %
0.500
0.500
0.450
0.400
0.400
0.400
0.100
0.400
0.500
0.500
1.000


PVP K 30, 45–55 Kdaltons,
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0.250
1.000


Wt. %


PVP K 60,400–500 Kdaltons,
0.500
0.500
0.450
0.400
0.400
0.400
0.100
0.400
0.500
0.250
0


Wt. %


Poly(Vinyl alcohol), Wt. %
0.01
0.01
0.05
0.100
0.100
0.100
0.400
0.100
0
0
0


Molecular Size, Kdaltons
88.0
88.0
95.0
95.0
95.0
95.0
95.0
95.0
—
—
—


Amount Hydrolyzed, %
85
85
95
95
95
95
95
95
—
—
—


Aqueous/Organic Phase
0.9
0.9
0.9
0.9
0.9
0.9
0.9
0.9
0.9
1.1
1.1


Volume Ratio























Sample
Sample
Sample
Sample
Sample
Sample
Sample
Sample
Sample
Sample
Sample
Sample



ID
ID
ID
ID
ID
ID
ID
ID
ID
ID
ID
ID



















LDM
02-028
02-029
02-030
02-031
02-032
02-033
02-034
02-036
02-038
02-040
02-042
02-044





Organic Phase


Composition


Monomer (DVB &EVB) Wt. %
45.0
45.0
45.0
45.0
45.0
50.0
55.0
55.0
55.0
55.0
55.0
55.0


Porogen Wt. %
55.0
55.0
55.0
55.0
55.0
50.0
45.0
45.0
45.0
45.0
45.0
45.0


Porogen/Monomer Ratio
1.222
1.222
1.222
1.222
1.222
1.000
0.8182
0.8182
0.8182
0.8182
0.8182
0.8182


Benzoyl Peroxide (BPO)
1.03
1.03
1.03
1.03
1.03
1.03
1.03
1.03
1.03
1.03
1.03
1.03


Wt. %


Porogen Compostion


Isooctane, Wt.. %
99.274
99.274
99.274
99.274
99.274
99.1122
98.915
98.915
98.915
98.915
98.915
98.915


Toluene, Wt. %
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0


Inerts, Wt. %
0.726
0.726
0.726
0.726
0.726
0.8878
1.085
1.085
1.085
1.085
1.085
1.085


Toluene plus Inerts, Wt. %
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—


Isooctane/Toluene plus Inerts
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—


Ratio


Aqueous Phase


Composition


Sodium Carbonate, Wt. %
0.500
0.500
0.500
0.500
0.500
0.500
0.500
0.500
0.500
0.500
0.500
0.500


Sodium Nitrate, Wt. %
0.300
0.300
0.300
0.300
0.300
0.300
0.300
0.300
0.300
0.300
0.300
0.300


Poly(N-Vinylpyrrolidione) Wt. %
0.700
0.900
1.000
1.000
1.500
1.000
0.500
1.300
1.100
1.000
0.200
0.300


PVP K 30, 45–55 Kdaltons,
0.700
0.900
1.000
1.000
1.500
0.900
0
1.000
1.000
0.800
0
0


Wt. %


PVP K 60, 400–500 Kdaltons,
0
0
0
0
0
0.100
0.500
0.300
0.100
0.200
0.200
0.300


Wt. %


Poly(Vinyl alcohol), Wt. %
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0


Molecular Size, Kdaltons
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—


Amount Hydrolysed, %
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—


Aqueous/Organic Phase
1.2
1.2
1.145
1.2
1.2
1.1
1.1
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0


Volume Ratio






Sample
Sample
Sample
Sample
Sample
Sample
Sample
Sample
Sample
Sample
Sample
Sample



ID
ID
ID
ID
ID
ID
ID
ID
ID
ID
ID
ID


LDM
02-047
02-049
02-050
02-052
02-054
02-055
02-059
02-061
02-073
02-074
02-075
02-079





Organic Phase


Composition


Monomer (DVB &EVB) Wt. %
55.0
55.0
55.0
55.0
55.0
55.0
55.0
55.0
55.0
55.0
55.0
55.0


Porogen Wt. %
45.0
45.0
45.0
45.0
45.0
45.0
45.0
45.0
45.0
45.0
45.0
45.0


Porogen/Monomer Ratio
0.8182
0.8182
0.8182
0.8182
0.8182
0.8182
0.8182
0.8182
0.8182
0.8182
0.8182
0.8182


Benzoyl Peroxide (BPO)
1.03
1.03
1.03
1.03
1.03
1.03
1.03
1.03
1.03
1.03
1.03
1.03


Wt. %


Porogen Composition


Isooctane, Wt. %
98.915
98.915
98.915
98.915
98.915
98.915
98.915
98.915
98.915
98.915
98.915
98.915


Toluene, Wt. %
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0


Inerts, Wt. %
1.085
1.085
1.085
1.085
1.085
1.085
1.085
1.085
1.085
1.085
1.085
1.085


Toluene plus Inerts, Wt. %
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—


Isooctane/Toluene plus Inerts
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—


Ratio


Aqueous Phase


Composition


Sodium Carbonate, Wt. %
0.300
0.100
0.500
0.500
0.500
0.500
0.500
0.500
0.500
0.500
0.500
0.500


Sodium Nitrate, Wt. %
0.300
0.100
0.300
0.300
0.300
0.300
0.300
0.300
0.300
0.300
0.300
0.300


Poly(N-Vinylpyrrolidione) Wt. %
0.010
0.010
0
0.05
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0


PVP K 30, 45–55 Kdaltons,
0.010
0.010
0
0.05
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0


Wt. %


PVP K 60, 400–500 Kdaltons,
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0


Wt. %


Poly(Vinyl alcohol), Wt. %
0.250
0.400
0
0
0
0
0.300
0.300
0.300
0.300
0.300
0.300


Molecular Size, Kdaltons
95
95
—
—
—
—
170
170
170
170
170
170


Amount Hydrolyzed, %
95
95
—
—
—
—
88
88
88
88
88
88


Natrosol Plus, Wt. %
0
0
0.500
0.300
0.300
0.300
0
0
0
0
0.05
0


Aqueous/Organic Phase
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0


Volume Ratio






Sample
Sample
Sample



ID
ID
ID
Sample
Sample
Sample
Sample
Sample
Sample
Sample
Sample
Sample


LDM
02-082
02-083
02-086
ID
ID
ID
ID
ID
ID
ID
ID
ID





Organic Phase


Composition


Monomer (DVB &EVB) Wt. %
55.0
55.0
55.0


Porogen Wt. %
45.0
45.0
45.0


Porogen/Monomer Ratio
0.8182
0.8182
0.8182


Benzoyl Peroxide (BPO)
1.03
1.03
1.03


Wt. %


Porogen Composition


Isooctane, Wt. %
98.915
98.915
98.915


Toluene, Wt. %
0
0
0


Inerts, Wt. %
1.085
1.085
1.085


Toluene plus Inerts, Wt. %
—
—
—


Isooctane/Toluene plus Inerts
—
—
—


Ratio


Aqueous Phase


Composition


Sodium Carbonate, Wt. %
0.500
0.500
0.500


Sodium Nitrate, Wt. %
0.300
0.300
0.300


Poly(N-Vinylpyrrolidione) Wt. %
0
0
0


PVP K 30, 45–55 Kdaltons,
0
0
0


Wt. %


PVP K 60, 400–500 Kdaltons,
0
0
0


Wt. %


Poly(Vinyl alcohol), Wt. %
0.300
0.300
0.300


Molecular Size, Kdaltons
170
100
170


Amount Hydrolyzed, %
88
85
88


Natrosol Plus, Wt. %
0
0
0


Aqueous/Organic Phase
1.0
1.0
1.0


Volume Ratio
















TABLE 7







Experimental Programs: Responses
















Sample ID
Sample ID
Sample ID
Sample ID
Sample ID



LDM-02-001
LDM-02-004
LDM-02-006
LDM-02-008
LDM-02-010





Surface Characteristics


SEM; description (smooth,
nodes,
nodes,
nodes,
nodes,
nodes,


nodes present, open or closed pore
closed
closed
closed
closed
closed


structure)


Internal Pore Structure


BET Surface Area, S
563.5001
652.7807
615.7039
614.4325
661.4491


Porosity, Pwt in ml · g -1
0.921032
1.536987
1.530853
1.724477
1.772158


Pore modes greater than 100 A
150
250, 400
200, 600
450, 550
500


Diameter from desorption


Isotherm. List each


Pore modes range in A greater
100–250
100–500
100–700
100–700
100–600


than 100 A diameter, desorption


Isotherm.


Particle Size Distribution


Unclassified, directly from


reactor


Cytonchrome C Sorption


Static Assessment 500 mg/Liter Conc.


Mg cyto c sorbed/g
15.2
43.35
42.95
63.05
79.7


dry polymer at 3 hr contact


% of cyto C removed from
19.23
53.8
51.46
66.22
73.78


solution at 3 hr contact


Serum Albumin Sorption


% removed from solution with


a concentration of 35,000 mg/l


of serum albumin


Mg BSA(or HSA) sorbed/g dry polymer


at 3 hr contact


Coating Assessment


ESCA Measurements for Surface Components


Atom Fraction on surface


C
0.8702
0.8722
0.8917
0.8881
0.8855


O
0.0784
0.0758
0.0682
0.0729
0.086


N
0.0514
0.052
0.0401
0.039
0.0284






Sample ID
Sample ID
Sample ID
Sample ID
Sample ID



LDM-02-017
LDM-02-025
LDM-02-034
LDM-02-036
LDM-02-038





Surface Characteristics


SEM; description (smooth,
no nodes,
no nodes,
no nodes,
no nodes,
nodes


nodes present, open or closed pore
open
open
open
open
closed


structure)


Internal Pore Structure


BET Surface Area, S
519.8904
539.9826
537.1961
556.5873
556.5738


Porosity, Pwt in ml · g -1
1.240885
1.389936
1.906947
1.958844
1.875443


Pore modes greater than 100 A
250, 310,
320, 450
380, 490
210, 280
210, 280,


Diameter from desorption
430, 550,
 550, 750,
750, 950
 380, 500,
380


Isotherm. List each
750
1200, 1700

650
500, 650,



1200, 1800



910







1600


Pore modes range in A greater
100–1900
100–1800
100–1600
100–1600
100–1600


than 100 A diameter, desorption


Isotherm.


Particle Size Distribution


Unclassified, directly from


reactor


Cytonchrome C Sorption


Static Assessment 500 mg/Liter Conc.


Mg cyto c sorbed/g
135.9
155.8
86.6
82.0
72.4


dry polymer at 3 hr contact


% of cyto C removed from
82.64
82.49
85.12
85.26
68.78


solution at 3 hr contact


Serum Albumin Sorption


% removed from solution with
6.0

4.1

5.1


a concentration of 35,000 mg/l


of serum albumin


Mg BSA(or HSA) sorbed/g dry polymer
1681.7

313.9

328.1


at 3 hr contact


Coating Assessment


ESCA Measurements for Surface Components


Atom Fraction on surface


C
0.6476
0.6134
0.8981
0.8682
0.8901


O
0.0795
0.1178
0.0778
0.935
0.0771


N
0.0281
none
0.0241
0.0383
0.0328




detected









Sample ID



Sample ID
Sample ID
Sample ID
LDM-
Sample ID



LDM-02-040
LDM-02-044
LDM-02-054
02-055A
LDM-02-075





Cytonchrome C Sorption


Static Assessment 500 mg/Liter Conc.


Mg cyto c sorbed/g
57.6
61.7
73.9
57.8



dry polymer at 3 hr contact


% of cyto C removed from
61.4
65.5
79.8
63.6



solution at 3 hr contact


Serum Albumin Sorption


% removed from solution with
3.1


a concentration of 35,000 mg/l


of serum albumin


Mg BSA(or HSA) sorbed/g dry polymer
203.1


at 3 hr contact


Coating Assessment


ESCA Measurements of Surface Components


Atom Fraction on surface


C
0.8586
0.8748
0.8238
0.7924


O
0.0982
0.0897
0.1745
0.2076


N
0.0432
0.0355
none
none





detected
detected


Surface Characteristics


SEM; description (smooth,
nodes,
nodes,

nodes,


nodes present, open or closed pore
closed
closed

closed


structure)


Internal Pore Structure


BET Surface Area, S
549.64
545.38
536.79
525.15
531.47


Porosity, Pwt in ml · g -1
1.8356
1.642
1.6567
1.6957
1.5232


Pore modes greater than 100 A
300; 400;
250; 310;
200; 300;
300; 400;
200; 300;


Diameter from desorption
500; 650;
450; 620;
400; 500;
600; 750;
420; 550;


Isotherm. List each
850
800; 1200
650; 920
900
750; 900;







1200


Pore modes range in A greater
300–980
200–1300
200–1700
150–1300
100–1300


than 100 A diameter, desorption


Isotherm.


Particle Size Distribution


Unclassified, directly from


reactor






Sample ID
Sample ID
Sample ID
Sample ID



LDM-02-079
LDM-02-082
LDM-02-083
LDM-02-086
Sample ID





Cytonchrome C Sorption


Static Assessment 500 mg/Liter Conc.


Mg cyto c sorbed/g

61.1


dry polymer at 3 hr contact


% of cyto C removed from

74.9


solution at 3 hr contact


Serum Albumin Sorption


% removed from solution with


a concentration of 35,000 mg/l


of serum albumin


Mg BSA(or HSA) sorbed/g dry polymer


at 3 hr contact


Coating Assessment


ESCA Measurements of Surface Components


Atom Fraction on surface


C


O


N


Surface Characteristics


SEM; description (smooth,


nodes present, open or closed pore


structure)


Internal Pore Structure


BET Surface Area, S

528.93


Porosity, Pwt in ml · g -1

1.3708


Pore modes greater than 100 A

250; 300;


Diameter from desorption

400; 500;


Isotherm. List each

600; 750;




 900; 1300 


Pore modes range in A greater

100–1400


than 100 A diameter, desorption


Isotherm.


Particle Size Distribution


Unclassified, directly from


reactor









Numerous modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the attendant claims attached hereto, this invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically disclosed herein.

## Claims

1. A hemocompatible-coated polymer comprising at least one crosslinking agent and at least one dispersing agent whereby said dispersing agent forms a hemocompatible surface on said polymer, said dispersing agent is selected from a group consisting of hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypopyl cellulose, poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate), poly(hydroxyethyl acrylate), poly(hydroxypropyl methacrylate), poly(hydroxypropyl acrylate), poly(dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate), poly(dimethylaminoethyl acrylate), poly(diethylamimoethyl methacrylate), poly(diethylaminoethyl acrylate), poly(vinyl alcohol), poly(N-vinylpyrrolidinone), salts of poly(methacrylic acid), and salts of poly(acrylic acid) and mixtures thereof, said crosslinking agent is selected from a group consisting of divinylbenzene, trivinylbenzene, divinylnaphthalene, trivinylcyclohexane, divinylsulfone, trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate, trimethylolpropane dimethacrylate, trimethylolpropane triacrylate, trimethylolpropane diacrylate, pentaerythrital dimethacrylates, pentaerythrital trimethacrylates, pentaerythrital, tetramethacrylates, pentaerythritol diacrylates, pentaerythritol triiacrylates, pentaerythritol tetraacrylates, dipentaerythritol dimethacrylates, dipentaerythritol trimethacrylates, dipentaerythritol tetramethacrylates, dipentaerythritol diacrylates, dipentaerythritol triacrylates, dipentaerythritol tetraacrylates, divinylformamide and mixtures thereof, said polymer being developed simultaneously with the formation of the coating, wherein said dispersing agent gets chemically bound to said surface of said polymer.

2. The polymer of claim 1 claim said dispersing agent comprises a biocompatibilizing polymer.

3. The polymer of claim 2 claim said biocompatibilizing polymer comprises poly(N-vinylpyrrolidinone).

4. The polymer of claim 2 claim said biocompatibilizing polymer becomes grafted to the surface of said polymer to provide said hemocompatible surfaced polymer.

5. The polymer of claim 1 claim said polymer comprises copolymers of divinylbenzene with comonomers being selected from a group consisting of styrene, ethylstyrene, acrylonitrile, butyl methacrylate, octyl methacrylate, butyl acrylate, octyl acrylate, cetyl methacrylate, cetyl acrylate, ethyl methacrylate, ethyl acrylate, vinyltoluene, vinylnaphthalene, vinylbenzyl alcohol, vinylformamide, methyl methacrylate, methyl acrylate and mixtures thereof.

6. The polymer of claim 1 claim said hemocompatible surfaced polymer is a porous polymer.

7. The polymer of claim 1 claim said hemocompatible surfaced polymer is an ion exchange polymer.

8. A biocompatible coated polymer manufactured by a method comprising: polymerizing monomer droplets comprising at least one crosslinking agent to form a polymer and coating said resulting polymer using at least one dispersing agent to thereby form a biocompatible coated polymer, said dispersant being placed on said monomer droplets before polymerization, said dispersing agent is selected from a group consisting of hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypopyl cellulose, poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate), poly(hydroxyethyl acrylate), poly(hydroxypropyl methacrylate), poly(hydroxypropyl acrylate), poly(dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate), poly(dimethylaminoethyl acrylate), poly(diethylamimoethyl methacrylate), poly-(diethylaminoethyl acrylate), poly(vinyl alcohol), poly(N-vinylpyrrolidinone), salts of poly(methacrylic acid), and salts of poly(acrylic acid) and mixtures thereof, wherein said dispersing agent gets chemically bound to said surface of said polymer.

9. The polymer of claim 8 claim said crosslinking agent is polymerized with at least one vinyl monomer.

10. The polymer of claim 8 claim said dispersing agent forms a hemocompatible coating on the surface of said polymer.

11. The polymer of claim 8 claim said dispersing agent comprises a biocompatibilizing polymer.

12. The polymer of claim 8 wherein said biocompatibilizing polymer is poly (N-vinylpyrrolidinone).

13. The polymer of claim 8 wherein said biocompatibilizing polymer is poly(vinyl alcohol).

14. The polymer of claim 11 wherein said biocompatibilizing polymer becomes grafted to the surface of said polymer to provide said hemocompatible coated polymer.

15. The polymer of claim 8 wherein said crosslinking agent is selected from a group consisting of divinylbenzene, trivinylbenzene, divinylnaphthalene, trivinylcyclohexane, divinylsulfone, trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate, trimethylolpropane dimethacrylate, trimethylolpropane triacrylate, trimethylolpropane diacrylate, pentaerythrital dimethacrylates, pentaerythrital trimethacrylates, pentaerythrital tetramethacrylates, pentaerythritol diacrylates, pentaerythritol triiacrylates, pentaerythritol tetraacrylates, dipentaerythritol dimethacrylates, dipentaerythritol trimethacrylates, dipentaerythritol tetramethacrylates, dipentaerythritol diacrylates, dipentaerythritol triacrylates, dipentaerythritol tetraacrylates, divinylformamide and mixtures thereof.

16. The polymer of claim 8 wherein said crosslinking agent comprises divinylbenzene.

17. The polymer of claim 8 wherein said crosslinking agent comprises trivinylcylohexane.

18. The polymer of claim 8 wherein said crosslinking agent comprises trivinylbenzene.

19. The polymer of claim 8 wherein said polymer comprises copolymers of divinylbenzene with comonomers being selected from a group consisting of styrene, ethylstyrene, acrylonitrile, butyl methacrylate, octyl methacrylate, butyl acrylate, octyl acrylate, cetyl methacrylate, cetyl acrylate, ethyl methacrylate, ethyl acrylate, vinyltoluene, vinylnaphthalene, vinylbenzyl alcohol, vinylformamide and mixtures thereof.

20. The polymer of claim 8 wherein said hemocompatible coated polymer is a porous polymer.

21. The polymer of claim 8 wherein said hemocompatible coated polymer is an ion exchange polymer.

22. The polymer of claim 8 wherein said polymer is processed in non-pyrogenic water.

23. A polymer with a hemocompatible surface coating, said polymer being manufactured by a one step process comprising:
simultaneously coating and polymerizing monomer droplets in a suspension polymerization procedure with at least one dispersing agent having encapsulated said droplets with a hemocompatible coating to thereby form a polymer with a hemocompatible surface-coating grafted onto the surface of said polymer, said dispersing agent being a biocompatibilizing polymer, said dispersing agent is selected from a group consisting of hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypopyl cellulose, poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate), poly(hydroxyethyl acrylate), poly(hydroxypropyl methacrylate), poly(hydroxypropyl acrylate), poly(dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate), poly-(dimethylaminoethyl acrylate), poly(diethylamimoethyl methacrylate), poly-(diethylaminoethyl acrylate), poly(vinyl alcohol), poly(N-vinylpyrrolidinone), salts of poly(methacrylic acid), and salts of poly(acrylic acid) and mixtures thereof, wherein said dispersing agent gets chemically grafted to said surface of said polymer.

24. The polymer of claim 23 wherein said monomer droplets is selected from a group consisting of divinylbenzene, styrene, ethylstyrene, acrylonitrile, butyl acrylate, butyl methacrylate, vinyltoluene, vinylnaphthalene, octyl methacrylate, octyl acrylate, cetyl methacrylate, cetyl acrylate, ethyl methacrylate, ethyl acrylate, vinylbenzyl alcohol, vinylformamide and mixtures thereof.