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Hemocompatibility of 3D-Printed ABS for Blood-Contacting Applications
Flávia S C Rodrigues1, Sérgio B Gonçalves2, Colin Schotté1
1Laboratory of Physics of Materials and Emerging Technologies (LaPMET), Center of Physics and Engineering of Advanced Materials (CeFEMA), Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais 1, 1049-001Lisboa, Portugal.
3D-printed Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) shows promising hemocompatibility for blood-contacting devices, with acetone post-processing enhancing surface properties without compromising safety. Further design considerations are needed to mitigate thrombotic risks in static conditions.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Additive Manufacturing
- Medical Device Development
Background:
- Additive manufacturing (AM) presents opportunities for blood-contacting devices.
- Traditional materials for material extrusion (ME) AM lack leak-tightness.
- Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) is a durable, ME-compatible thermoplastic with largely untested hemocompatibility.
Purpose of the Study:
- Evaluate the hemocompatibility of ME 3D-printed ABS.
- Investigate the impact of acetone post-processing on blood-contact properties.
Main Methods:
- Characterized dimensional accuracy, surface roughness, PBS uptake, swelling, and wettability.
- Assessed hemocompatibility via hemolysis, coagulation, and platelet/leukocyte interaction assays.
- Compared two ABS filaments (one medical grade) pre- and post-acetone treatment.
Main Results:
- ABS demonstrated non-hemolytic properties (below threshold).
- Clot mass, platelet, and leukocyte adhesion were significantly lower than positive controls.
- Acetone treatment improved surface smoothness and layer adhesion without negative hemocompatibility effects.
- A time-dependent thrombogenesis tendency was observed under static, anticoagulant-free conditions.
Conclusions:
- 3D-printed ABS is suitable for in vitro and lab-scale blood-contacting applications.
- Acetone post-processing enhances surface characteristics without compromising hemocompatibility.
- Careful design is necessary to minimize thrombotic risks in static applications.
