Ethyl Hydroxyethyl Cellulose-A Biocompatible Polymer Carrier in Blood

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Hematology

Background:

• Carrier nanomaterials face challenges with blood compatibility due to interactions with the clotting system.
• Safe intravascular application of nanomaterials requires understanding their effect on hemostasis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize an aqueous colloidal ethyl hydroxyethyl cellulose (EHEC) solution.
• To evaluate the impact of EHEC on ex vivo blood clotting, platelet aggregation, and activation.
• To compare EHEC's hemocompatibility with established plasma expanders.

Main Methods:

• Thromboelastometry, aggregometry, and flow cytometry were used to assess clot formation, platelet aggregation, and activation.
• EHEC solution's rheological properties were compared to human blood and Newtonian fluids.
• Platelet-rich plasma was exposed to EHEC and stimulated with various agonists.

Main Results:

• EHEC solution exhibits shear-thinning behavior, similar to human blood, unlike Newtonian plasma expanders.
• EHEC did not enhance blood clotting induced by tissue thromboplastin or ellagic acid.
• EHEC did not affect platelet aggregation or activation (integrin α_IIbβ₃ and P-selectin expression) in resting or ADP-stimulated platelets.

Conclusions:

• EHEC demonstrates hemocompatibility by not interfering with key clotting or platelet functions.
• The shear-thinning properties of EHEC are advantageous for intravascular applications.
• EHEC shows potential as a biocompatible carrier material for blood circulation and flow-dependent diagnostics.