In vitro studies of platelet adhesion on laser-treated polyethylene terephthalate surface

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Surface Engineering
• Polymer Chemistry

Background:

• Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is widely used in biomedical devices but can elicit adverse biological responses.
• Improving the hemocompatibility of PET surfaces is crucial for enhancing blood compatibility and reducing thrombogenicity.
• Laser surface modification offers a promising approach to tailor material properties for biomedical applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of pulsed CO2 and KrF excimer laser irradiation on the hemocompatibility of PET surfaces.
• To characterize the physico-chemical changes induced by laser treatment.
• To evaluate the reduction in platelet adhesion on laser-treated PET films.

Main Methods:

• PET films were treated with pulsed CO2 and KrF excimer lasers.
• Surface characterization included attenuated total reflectance infrared spectroscopy and contact-angle measurements.
• Hemocompatibility was assessed in vitro by measuring platelet adhesion using lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity assay and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

Main Results:

• Laser irradiation significantly reduced platelet adhesion and spreading on PET surfaces compared to untreated PET.
• Physico-chemical analysis indicated changes in surface morphology, chemical structure, and crystallinity post-laser treatment.
• SEM observations confirmed reduced platelet adhesion and spreading on laser-modified surfaces, consistent with LDH assay results.

Conclusions:

• Pulsed CO2 and KrF excimer laser treatment effectively enhances the hemocompatibility of PET surfaces.
• Laser-induced surface modifications are responsible for the reduced platelet adhesion.
• This technique shows potential for developing improved blood-compatible materials for medical devices.