Three dimensional special formed bodies from Poly(ether imide) with functionalized surfaces for biomedical applications

This talk gives an overview on different special formed bodies prepared from poly(ether imide) such as flat sheet membranes, particles, and hollow fibers prepared by non solvent induced phase separation. Poly(ether imide) was chosen because of its high thermal stability allowing steam-sterilization, its membrane forming properties, and because it can be modified covalently with nucleophiles in order to bind biofunctional ligands. Besides an extensive description of different formation methods of poly(ether imide) bodies the influence of morphology of these special formed bodies is discussed by means of different formation procedures and preparation conditions. The special formed bodies from poly(ether imide) have a high application potential for biomedical applications.

Aim of this work are also polymeric membranes prepared from poly(ether imide) to meet the demands of Regenerative Medicine concerning (selective) separation, bio/hemocompatibility, and sufficient stability of the matrix. The ease of surface functionalization of PEI can be used to create tailor-made surfaces for specific medical applications or for further modification of the pore structure. The promising results concerning cell interactions (e.g. fibroblasts, endothelial cells, platelets, keratinocytes) make PEI scaffolds a promising matrix for many applications such as biohybrid organs, apheresis, wound healing, or implants.