Artificial Lung Device Priming for In Situ Fiber Bundle Surface Grafting

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Medical Device Engineering
• Surface Chemistry

Background:

• Artificial lungs utilize high surface area fiber bundles for gas exchange.
• Dense fiber arrangements and surface chemistries contribute to thrombosis.
• Reducing protein fouling is crucial to prevent thromboembolism and minimize anticoagulant use.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the antifouling properties of zwitterionic polymer grafts on artificial lung fiber bundles.
• To assess the efficacy of in situ coating using zwitterionic polysulfobetaine and polydopamine linkers.
• To evaluate the impact of surface modification on reducing protein fouling and thrombosis risk.

Main Methods:

• Priming artificial lung fiber bundles with zwitterionic polysulfobetaine and polydopamine for in situ coating.
• Evaluating antifouling performance using fibrinogen enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and platelet lactate dehydrogenase assays.
• Confirming surface coating with X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy.

Main Results:

• Significant reductions in protein fouling were observed on zwitterionic polymer-grafted fibers compared to uncoated controls.
• X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy confirmed successful surface coating of the fiber bundles.
• Variations in coating appearance within the fiber bundle were noted, potentially impacting overall antifouling efficiency.

Conclusions:

• Zwitterionic polymer grafting shows promise for reducing fouling and thrombosis in artificial lungs.
• The in situ coating method demonstrates effective antifouling properties.
• Further research is needed to ensure uniform coating for optimal performance of modified lung fiber bundles.