Functional hydrogel coatings for Biomedical applications

• Main Author: Corbett, Daniel James
• Published: Queen's University Belfast 2014
• Subjects: 610.28
• Online Access: http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.676276

Biomedical devices are commonly used in all areas of healthcare, These devices, which range from contact lenses through to endotracheal tubes, are most often fashioned from materials which allow the device to carry out its function thoroughly, but in doing so render the device susceptible to a number of complications. Two of the most major complications are that of device infection and poor frictional behaviour at the interface of the device and human tissue. This thesis details the development and characterisation of various polymeric systems which allow the resolution of these problems. With regard to infection, well established photodynamic techniques are further developed to provide a system which can bring about effective prevention of infection for prolonged durations of time, leading to a wide range of advantages, potentiating the function of the device. Biomaterial frictional behaviour is improved in a number of ways, including the development of next generation device coatings which are more easily wetted, offer improved biocompatibility, and also offer an improved tenacity of effect. Moreover, further work in this thesis has led to the development of successful photochemical attachment pathways for the addition of such coatings to the surface of commonly used biomaterial substrates.