Synthesis and antithrombogenicity of anionic polyurethanes and heparin-bound polyurethanes

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Cardiovascular Research

Background:

• Thrombosis remains a significant challenge in blood-contacting medical devices.
• Developing effective antithrombogenic materials is crucial for improving patient outcomes.
• Polyurethanes are widely used but often elicit thrombotic responses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize two novel antithrombogenic polyurethane materials.
• To investigate the mechanisms underlying their antithrombotic properties.
• To evaluate blood-material interactions, focusing on platelet and coagulation system activation.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of anionic polyetherurethane and heparin-bound polyetherurethaneurea.
• Assessment of albumin adsorption and plasma protein conformational changes.
• Evaluation of platelet adherence, deformation, and blood-clotting system activation.
• Multiparameter estimation of blood-material interactions.

Main Results:

• Anionic polyetherurethane exhibited selective albumin adsorption, minimal protein denaturation, and suppressed platelet activation, resulting in moderate antithrombogenicity.
• Heparin-bound polyetherurethaneurea showed less selective albumin adsorption, protein denaturation, and platelet activation but effectively deactivated the blood-clotting system, yielding excellent antithrombogenicity.
• The study highlighted the importance of multiparameter assessment for understanding blood-material interactions.

Conclusions:

• Heparin-bound polyetherurethaneurea demonstrates superior antithrombogenic potential compared to anionic polyetherurethane.
• Material surface properties significantly influence protein adsorption, platelet behavior, and coagulation cascade activation.
• Comprehensive evaluation of blood-material interactions is essential for designing advanced antithrombotic biomaterials.