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Covalently-bound heparin makes collagen thromboresistant
Jeffrey F W Keuren1, Simone J H Wielders, Anita Driessen
1Department of Biochemistry, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology
|January 7, 2004
Summary
Heparinization of collagen surfaces prevents thrombus formation, making it suitable for artificial blood vessels and stent grafts. This improves blood compatibility without affecting platelet adhesion.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Cardiovascular Research
- Surface Chemistry
Background:
- Blood compatibility of artificial surfaces is crucial for medical devices.
- Collagen is a promising biomaterial due to low antigenicity but is thrombogenic.
- Heparinization is explored to enhance collagen's thromboresistance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate if heparinization can improve the thromboresistance of collagen.
- To assess the impact of heparinized collagen on blood compatibility.
Main Methods:
- Collagen surfaces were heparinized using periodate-oxidized heparin.
- Methods included crosslinking and covalent bonding of heparin.
- Platelet adhesion, procoagulant activity, and thrombin generation were measured.
Main Results:
- Heparinization did not affect platelet adhesion or procoagulant activity.
- Thrombin generation was completely inhibited under static and flow conditions.
- Immobilized heparin demonstrated functionality via antithrombin uptake.
Conclusions:
- Immobilizing heparin on collagen effectively prevents thrombus formation.
- Heparinized collagen shows potential as a material for stent grafts.
- Further animal and human studies are warranted for clinical application.