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Published on: December 27, 2013
Haemocompatibility of vitamin-E-enriched poly(D,L-lactic acid)
Filippo Renò1, Vincenzina Traina, Mario Cannas
1Human Anatomy Laboratory, Research Center for Biocompatibility Tissue Engineering, Experimental and Clinical Medicine Department, University of Eastern Piedmont A. Avogadro, Via Solaroli 17, 28100 Novara, Italy.
Journal of Biomaterials Science. Polymer Edition
|July 12, 2007
Summary
Adding vitamin E to poly(D,L-lactic acid) improves its blood compatibility. This enhancement makes the biocompatible polymer suitable for cardiovascular applications by reducing inflammation and improving clotting time.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Cardiovascular Engineering
Background:
- Poly(D,L-lactic acid) (P(D,L)LA) is a biocompatible and biodegradable polymer primarily used in orthopaedics.
- Its use in cardiovascular applications is limited due to its tendency to activate granulocytes and platelets, causing inflammation.
- Improving the hemocompatibility of P(D,L)LA is crucial for expanding its biomedical applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To enhance the hemocompatibility of poly(D,L-lactic acid) (P(D,L)LA) for cardiovascular applications.
- To investigate the effects of incorporating vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) into P(D,L)LA films.
- To assess the impact of vitamin E on polymer surface properties, protein adsorption, and blood interactions.
Main Methods:
- Poly(D,L-lactic acid) films were prepared with varying concentrations of vitamin E (10-30% w/w) via solvent casting.
- Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy was used to confirm the presence of vitamin E.
- Surface wettability was measured using the sessile drop test.
- Human plasma protein adsorption was quantified using spectrophotometry and Western blot.
- Hemocompatibility was evaluated by assessing platelet and granulocyte adhesion and whole blood coagulation times.
Main Results:
- Vitamin E incorporation increased the surface wettability of P(D,L)LA films.
- Enhanced human plasma protein adsorption was observed on vitamin E-enriched P(D,L)LA.
- A significant reduction in platelet and granulocyte adhesion was noted on the modified films.
- Whole blood clotting time was approximately doubled on vitamin-E-enriched P(D,L)LA compared to controls.
Conclusions:
- Vitamin E addition significantly improves the hemocompatibility of poly(D,L-lactic acid).
- The enhanced hemocompatibility is attributed to increased surface wettability and protein adsorption, leading to reduced inflammatory cell adhesion.
- These findings suggest that vitamin E-modified P(D,L)LA is a promising biomaterial for cardiovascular applications.
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