In vitro hemocompatibility of thin films materials for direct blood contact

When designing new biomaterials for tissue contact devices it is important to consider their architecture as it affects different cell response. Surface modification of tubular structures requires the use of different techniques than in the case of flat samples. Similarly, analytical techniques also need to be adapted to the specific shape of substrate. For blood contacting devices this issue is critical because of shear forces generated by fluid flow and responsible for blood components activation. This necessitates the use of diagnostic techniques dedicated for material analysis in dynamic conditions in order to simulate physiological conditions. In the frame of the work, the flat samples as well as tube like elements were considered. The flat samples were prepared for basic research. Based on the results of the basic research the thin coatings were selected for the internal side of the tube like elements which have been analysed in contact with blood using blood flow simulator. The cross section of the coating-substrate interaction was tested using transmission electron microscopy. The attachment of cells to coatings was determined by radial flow chamber. Hemocompatible analysis was carried out in two ways. The quality of the blood after the dynamic test was analysed using flow cytometry. In this case the aggregates formation, platelet consumption and apoptosis derived microparticles were considered. The amount of cells adhered to the materials surfaces was determined by confocal laser microscopy.