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Assessment of the Anti-Thrombogenic Activity of Polyurethane Starch Composites
Jhoan F Cespedes1,2, Said Arévalo-Alquichire3, Luis E Diaz4
1Energy, Materials and Environmental Group, GEMA, Faculty of Engineering, Universidad de La Sabana, Chía 140013, Colombia.
Insights
Polyurethane-starch composites were evaluated for blood-material interactions to reduce post-surgery complications in coronary artery bypass grafts (CABPG). Zwitterionic starch composites showed improved anti-thrombogenic properties, classifying them as inert biomaterials for cardiovascular applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Cardiovascular Engineering
- Polymer Chemistry
Background:
- Post-surgery complications in coronary artery bypass grafts (CABPG) are linked to blood-material interactions.
- Characterizing biomaterial thrombogenicity is crucial for cardiovascular device development.
- Polyurethane matrices with starch fillers were synthesized to assess anti-thrombogenic properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the anti-thrombogenic activity of polyurethane-starch composites.
- To assess the impact of zwitterionic starch fillers on biomaterial performance.
- To determine the suitability of these composites for cardiovascular applications.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of polyurethane matrices using polycaprolactone diol (PCL), polyethylene glycol (PEG), pentaerythritol (PE), and isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI).
- Incorporation of native potato starch (AL-N) and zwitterionic starch (AL-Z) as fillers.
- Characterization of anti-thrombogenic properties via clot formation time, platelet adhesion, protein absorption, TAT complex levels, and hemolysis.
- Evaluation of endothelial and smooth muscle cell viability.
Main Results:
- Significant differences in protein absorption and blood clotting time were observed among polyurethane matrices without fillers.
- Polyurethane composites containing zwitterionic starch (AL-Z) demonstrated enhanced anti-thrombogenic properties.
- AL-Z composites reduced endothelial cell viability but did not significantly affect aortic smooth muscle cell viability, except for one matrix (P1).
Conclusions:
- Polyurethane-starch composites, particularly those with zwitterionic starch, exhibit improved anti-thrombogenic characteristics.
- These biomaterials are classified as inert, indicating their potential for safe use in cardiovascular devices.
- Further research can optimize these composites for enhanced hemocompatibility and reduced cellular toxicity.
Abstract:
The increasing morbidity and mortality of patients due to post-surgery complications of coronary artery bypass grafts (CABPG) are related to blood-material interactions. Thus, the characterization of the thrombogenicity of the biomaterial for cardiovascular devices is of particular interest. This research evaluated the anti-thrombogenic activity of polyurethanes-starch composites. We previously synthesized polyurethane matrices that were obtained from polycaprolactone diol (PCL), polyethylene glycol (PEG), pentaerythritol (PE), and isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI). In addition, potato starch (AL-N) and zwitterionic starch (AL-Z) were added as fillers. The anti-thrombogenic property was characterized by the clot formation time, platelet adhesion, protein absorption, TAT complex levels, and hemolysis. Additionally, we evaluated the cell viability of the endothelial and smooth muscle cells. Statically significant differences among the polyurethane matrices (P1, P2, and P3) were found for protein absorption and the blood clotting time without fillers. The polyurethanes composites with AL-Z presented an improvement in the anti-thrombogenic property. On the other hand, the composites with AL-Z reduced the viability of the endothelial cells and did not significantly affect the AoSCM (except for P1, which increased). These results classify these biomaterials as inert; therefore, they can be used for cardiovascular applications.
