Platelet adhesion to polyurethane blended with polytetramethylene oxide

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Surface Science

Background:

• Pellethane polyurethane is a common biomaterial.
• Surface properties influence blood compatibility.
• Polytetramethylene oxide (PTMO) is a potential additive to modify polyurethane characteristics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the surface and blood compatibility of Pellethane polyurethane blended with polytetramethylene oxide (PTMO).
• To investigate the effect of PTMO concentration on surface composition and platelet adherence.

Main Methods:

• X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) for surface analysis.
• Dynamic contact angle measurements in water.
• In vitro assays for platelet adherence and thrombosis.
• Albumin adsorption measurements from binary solutions with fibrinogen.

Main Results:

• PTMO blending increased surface amide wax in vacuum but expressed PTMO preferentially in water.
• Polyurethane blended with 5% PTMO showed a two-thirds reduction in adherent platelets compared to unblended polyurethane.
• 1% PTMO blends exhibited intermediate platelet adherence.
• PTMO blends did not preferentially adsorb albumin over fibrinogen.

Conclusions:

• PTMO can reorient on the blend surface based on environmental conditions.
• Blending Pellethane with PTMO significantly improves blood compatibility by reducing platelet adherence.
• The concentration of PTMO influences the degree of improvement in hemocompatibility.