Hydrophobic Polymer Surface Modification for Blood Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Plastic blood collection containers can interfere with clinical chemistry test results due to leached surfactants, while glass containers are unsafe due to fragility, and hydrophobic polymer surfaces are not suitable for wettable applications.
Innovation Solution
A method to modify non-porous hydrophobic polymer substrates by contacting them with a liquid composition containing a nucleophilic reagent and catalyst, converting the surface from hydrophobic to hydrophilic without compromising mechanical and optical properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If plastic blood collection containers are used, then safety concerns are eliminated, but test results are interfered with due to leached surfactants
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the chemical composition parameters of the polymer material by incorporating specific additives (surfactants, lubricants, colorants) in controlled amounts during manufacturing, transforming the polymer from a simple inert material to a functionally modified material that maintains safety while minimizing interference with test results
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite polymer material system combining base polymer with carefully selected additives, where each component serves a specific function: the base polymer provides structural integrity and safety, while the additives provide desired flow and collection properties with minimal test interference
2Ease of manufacture
If hydrophobic polymer surfaces are used, then manufacturing ease is improved, but wettable applications are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the surface energy parameters of the polymer by incorporating surfactants that modify the surface chemistry, transforming the surface from hydrophobic to hydrophilic while maintaining the bulk polymer's ease of manufacture and structural properties
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The modified hydrophilic surfaces are bias-free, preventing interference with test results, safe, and suitable for wettable applications, maintaining the integrity and functionality of the polymer substrates.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid composition having a nucleophilic reagent and a catalyst is contacted with the surface of the non-porous hydrophobic polymer substrate and maintained in contact with the surface of the polymer substrate in a manner sufficient to convert at least a portion of the surface from hydrophobic to hydrophilic
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the invention include methods for modifying a surface of a non-porous hydrophobic polymer substrate having a backbone containing electrophilic linkages. In practicing methods according to certain embodiments, a liquid composition having a nucleophilic reagent and a catalyst is contacted with the surface of the non-porous hydrophobic polymer substrate and maintained in contact with the surface of the polymer substrate in a manner sufficient to convert at least a portion of the surface from hydrophobic to hydrophilic while retaining the mechanical and optical properties of the polymer substrate. Substrates, including containers, having one or more hydrophilic surfaces and kits suitable for practicing the subject methods are also described.