In vitro platelet interactions in whole human blood exposed to biomaterial surfaces: insights on blood compatibility

• Published in: Journal of biomedical materials research Vol. 27; no. 9; p. 1181
• Main Authors: Haycox, C L, Ratner, B D
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.09.1993
• Subjects: beta-Thromboglobulin - drug effects; beta-Thromboglobulin - immunology; Biocompatible Materials - adverse effects; Blood Circulation - drug effects; Blood Platelets - chemistry; Blood Platelets - drug effects; Blood Platelets - immunology; Humans; Isoantibodies - chemistry; Isoantigens - blood; Platelet Adhesiveness - drug effects; Platelet Count - drug effects; Platelet Membrane Glycoproteins - immunology; Surface Properties - drug effects; Thrombosis - chemically induced; Thrombosis - prevention & control
• ISSN: 0021-9304
• DOI: 10.1002/jbm.820270909

A short-term in vitro test to study platelet interactions with biomaterials is described. Using fresh human blood and a modified Chandler loop system, beta-thromboglobulin release was measured. Also, adherent platelets were observed by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and a colorimetric stain specific for human platelet GPIIIa. Materials studied in these experiments were polyethylene (PE), Biomer, poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), and a polyurethane prepared with octadecyl pendant groups (ODCE). Four blood reactions were observed: (1) Platelets continually adhere and activate on the Biomer; (2) platelets initially adhere and activate but then spread to a thin, passivating film on the PE; (3) platelets do not adhere to the PVA surface but continually react with it upon contact; and (4) platelets neither adhere to nor activate on the ODCE surface. Reactions (2) and (4) are considered characteristic of blood-compatible materials.