Biocompatible surfaces prepared by immobilized heparin or hyaluronate

Artificial surfaces modified with immobilized heparin or hyaluronate were evaluated as possible approaches to improve biocompatibility. The heparin surface was highly thromboresistant in contact with blood, as manifested by minimal cell adhesion and a pronounced capacity to inactivate coagulation enzymes such as thrombin and factor Xa. The hyaluronate coating also reduced cell adhesion, but this coating seemed to be less effective than the heparin surface. Outgrowth of human macrophages was not affected by the hyaluronate coating, nor did it display any capacity to inactivate coagulation enzymes. It is concluded that the heparin surface exhibits a high degree of biocompatibility in contact with blood and cell culture, which should make it an interesting candidate for use in the ear compartment.