Polyester urethane urea (PEUU) functionalization for enhanced anti-thrombotic performance: advancing regenerative cardiovascular devices through innovative surface modifications

• Published in: Frontiers in bioengineering and biotechnology Vol. 11; p. 1257778
• Main Authors: Rodríguez-Soto, María A., Suárez Vargas, Natalia, Ayala-Velásquez, María, Aragón-Rivera, Andrés M., Ostos, Carlos, Cruz, Juan C., Muñoz Camargo, Carolina, Kim, Seungil, D’Amore, Antonio, Wagner, William R., Briceño, Juan C.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Frontiers Media S.A 20.09.2023
• Subjects: anti-thrombotic performance; biocompatibility; Bioengineering and Biotechnology; polyester urethane urea (PEUU); regenerative cardiovascular devices; surface modifications
• ISSN: 2296-4185; 2296-4185
• DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1257778

Introduction: Thrombogenesis, a major cause of implantable cardiovascular device failure, can be addressed through the use of biodegradable polymers modified with anticoagulating moieties. This study introduces a novel polyester urethane urea (PEUU) functionalized with various anti-platelet deposition molecules for enhanced antiplatelet performance in regenerative cardiovascular devices. Methods: PEUU, synthesized from poly-caprolactone, 1,4-diisocyanatobutane, and putrescine, was chemically oxidized to introduce carboxyl groups, creating PEUU-COOH. This polymer was functionalized in situ with polyethyleneimine, 4-arm polyethylene glycol, seleno-L-cystine, heparin sodium, and fondaparinux. Functionalization was confirmed using Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Bio-compatibility and hemocompatibility were validated through metabolic activity and hemolysis assays. The anti-thrombotic activity was assessed using platelet aggregation, lactate dehydrogenase activation assays, and scanning electron microscopy surface imaging. The whole-blood clotting time quantification assay was employed to evaluate anticoagulation properties. Results: Results demonstrated high biocompatibility and hemocompatibility, with the most potent anti-thrombotic activity observed on pegylated surfaces. However, seleno-L-cystine and fondaparinux exhibited no anti-platelet activity. Discussion: The findings highlight the importance of balancing various factors and addressing challenges associated with different approaches when developing innovative surface modifications for cardiovascular devices.