Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 28, 2026
10:50
Optimizing Attachment of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells on Poly(ε-caprolactone) Electrospun Yarns
Published on: April 10, 2015
10.1K
Reduced cell attachment to poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate)-coated ventricular catheters in vitro
Brian W Hanak1,2, Chia-Yun Hsieh3, William Donaldson1
1Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, Washington.
Summary
Poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA) coatings on ventriculoperitoneal shunts reduce brain immune cell attachment, a common cause of shunt failure in hydrocephalus patients.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Materials Science
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Hydrocephalus treatment often relies on ventriculoperitoneal shunts, which are prone to failure.
- Obstruction by microglia and astrocytes, brain immune cells, causes over half of pediatric shunt failures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA) as a coating for ventricular catheters to reduce immune cell attachment.
- To utilize initiated chemical vapor deposition (iCVD) for uniform PHEMA coating on complex catheter surfaces.
Main Methods:
- Commercially available ventricular catheters were coated with PHEMA using iCVD.
- Surface chemistry and morphology were confirmed using FTIR, XPS, and SEM.
- Coated and uncoated catheters were tested in an in vitro hydrocephalus model with co-cultured microglia and astrocytes.
Main Results:
- PHEMA coating was successfully applied and characterized on ventricular catheters.
- Significantly reduced attachment of microglia and astrocytes to PHEMA-coated catheters was observed at 17 days and 6 weeks.
- PHEMA coatings demonstrate potential for improving shunt longevity.
Conclusions:
- PHEMA coatings applied via iCVD effectively reduce glial cell adhesion to ventricular catheters.
- This approach offers a promising strategy to mitigate shunt obstruction and improve outcomes for hydrocephalus patients.
