In this study, the synthesis, characterization, and properties of a novel biodegradable polymer with improved hemocompatibility were introduced. It was synthesized by end-capping poly-F-caprolactone (PCL) with phosphorylcholine (PC) groups. The polyester backbone provided the mechanical stability and biodegradability, while the PC-end groups improved its hemocomatibility. The obtained polymer was characterized using H-1 NMR, P-31 NMR, FTIR, and GPC, its crystallization behavior was studied by DSC. Compared with original PCL, the resulting polymer (PC-PCL) showed a lower crystallization capability and a faster degradation rate in PBS. The degradation rate of the polymer blends of PCL/PC-PCL increased with increasing PC-PCL content. The results of water contact angle measurements revealed a more hydrophilic surface property of PC-PCL than neat PCL. The hemocompatibility of PC-PCL was estimated using rabbit platelet-rich plasma, a better resistance to platelet adhesion and activation was observed. During the human blood plasma contacting process, PC-PCL showed a prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time over neat PCL. Material-cell interaction was evaluated with human umbilical vein endothelial cell, the result indicated that PC-PCL may to some extent have an antihyperplasia property, compared with neat PCL. (c) 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.