Novel fluorinated surfactants for perfluorochemical emulsification: Biocompatibility assessments of glycosidic and polyol derivatives

Abstract

A novel series of fluoro-surfactants, derived from glycosides (monosaccharides) or polyols (ureas or carbamates), have been produced for use in respiratory gas-carrying perfluorochemical emulsions. Compounds were synthesized via simple, but highly selective, routes using highly fluorinated isocyanates with amino alcohols, polyethoxylated alcohols and partially protected sugars at anomeric carbon; yields were 88-95%. Resultant compounds were perfluoroalkylated with hydroxylic `head' groups. The biocompatibility of surfactants with human blood in vitro was assessed using a conventional haemolysis test. Compounds showing insignificant haemolysis at up to 10 g l-1 were further evaluated (i) for their effects on neutrophil chemiluminescence, and (ii) in a human platelet aggregation assay. Some fluoro-surfactants inhibited spontaneous platelet aggregation, in blood anti-coagulated with hirudin, at concentrations of 0.01% (w/v), suggesting possible applications as anti-thrombotic agents.