A Material Conferring Hemocompatibility.

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Medical Device Engineering
• Cardiovascular Research

Background:

• Maintaining blood-contacting device patency requires functional endothelium.
• Poly(carbonate-urea) urethane (PCU) is a common base material.
• Biomimetic functionalization is needed for improved blood compatibility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the feasibility of L-Arginine methyl ester (L-AME) functionalized PCU for blood-contacting applications.
• To assess the in-vitro anti-thrombogenic properties of L-AME within a polyurethane matrix.
• To evaluate the effect of L-AME on endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) viability.

Main Methods:

• Functionalization of PCU with L-Arginine methyl ester (L-AME).
• In-vitro cell culture of EPCs on L-AME functionalized PCU.
• Assessment of L-AME's interaction with endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) in blood.
• Evaluation of anti-thrombogenic properties of L-AME in solution and within the polymer.

Main Results:

• Successful culturing of EPCs on L-AME functionalized material, indicating increased cell viability.
• Demonstration of L-AME's potential as a bioactive porogen releasing upon blood contact.
• Evidence of novel anti-thrombogenic properties of L-AME in both solution and polymer-bound forms.
• L-AME incorporation into PCU shows promise for blood-contacting medical devices.

Conclusions:

• L-AME functionalized PCU is a promising biomaterial for blood-contacting devices.
• The material supports endothelial progenitor cell viability and exhibits anti-thrombogenic effects.
• L-AME offers potential for endogenous nitric oxide up-regulation in medical applications and wound healing.