Phospholipid polymerhydrogel using the photocrosslinking to fabricate the enzyme immobilizing membrane

We synthesized new polymers, which have both photocrosslinkability and biocompatibility by a random copolymerization of 4-(4-methoxycinnamoyl)phenyl methacrylate and 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine(MPC). These polymers were used as a prepolymer to make a hydrogel by photoirradiation. A gelation began by 5 sec-photoirradiation and it reached equilibrium state after 360 sec-photoirradiation. The absorption maximum at 347 nm, attributed by the cinnamoyl group disappears with the photoirradiation time. That is, the dimerization between cinnamoyl groups in the polymer was proceeded and formed hydrogel. The equilibrium water content of the hydrogels was more than 90%. Moreover, we succeeded to make micro shape hydrogel on a glass by photoirradiation through a photomask. The window shaped of the photomask is transferred to the hydrogel formed. We concluded that these photocrosslinkable polymers are useful for preparing microfluidic devices to separate or immobilize the biomolecules and cells.