Haemocompatibility testing of biomaterials using human platelets

Cardiovascular implants are increasingly important in regenerative medicine. To improve the safety and function of blood-contacting implants a major need exists for new polymer-based biomaterials that avoid adverse reactions, particularly thrombotic events. This review is aimed to summarize the multi-stepped and interlinked processes leading to a thrombus growth on body foreign surfaces: protein adsorption, platelet adhesion accompanied by activation and spreading and the release of substances of various organelles activating other neighboured platelets (and the plasmatic coagulation) leading to the formation of a plug of platelets and, finally, to a thrombus.