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In vitro Endothelialization and Platelet Adhesion on Titaniferous Upgraded Polyether and Polycarbonate Polyurethanes
Karla Lehle1, Jing Li2, Hanngörg Zimmermann3
1Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University Medical Centre Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauss-Allee 11, 93042 Regensburg, Germany. karla.lehle@ukr.de.
Materials (Basel, Switzerland)
|August 10, 2017
Summary
Titanium upgrading improves the biocompatibility of polyetherurethanes (PEU) for medical devices. This enhancement promotes endothelial cell proliferation and metabolism while modulating hemocompatibility, crucial for implantable materials.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Medical Device Engineering
Background:
- Polycarbonateurethanes (PCU) and polyetherurethanes (PEU) are widely used in medical devices.
- Their clinical application is often limited by suboptimal bio- and hemocompatibility.
- Titanium's potential to enhance polyurethane properties warrants investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of titaniferous upgrading on the bio- and hemocompatibility of PCU and PEU.
- To assess endothelial cell (EC) adhesion, proliferation, and activation on modified polyurethanes.
- To determine the effect of titaniferous upgrading on platelet adhesion and activation.
Main Methods:
- Investigated EC adhesion and proliferation on various PCU and PEU samples.
- Utilized scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for visualizing platelet adhesion.
- Assessed EC metabolic activity and activation markers post-modification.
- Compared pure polyurethanes with titaniferous-upgraded versions.
Main Results:
- Pure and upgraded PCU showed no EC adhesion/proliferation and minimal platelet adhesion.
- PEUs exhibited variable cytocompatibility; EC proliferation was inhibited in pure forms.
- Titaniferous upgrading induced EC proliferation and metabolic activity in PEUs, but also EC activation.
- Hemocompatibility varied: Texin was thrombotic, Tecothane and Elastollan showed less platelet adhesion.
- Upgrading reduced Texin's thrombogenicity, maintained Elastollan's hemocompatibility, and increased Tecothane's platelet activation.
Conclusions:
- None of the tested polyurethanes were inherently cytocompatible.
- Titaniferous upgrading is essential for achieving EC proliferation and metabolism on PEUs.
- The hemocompatibility of modified polyurethanes is dependent on the specific polymer type and titanium integration.
