Challenge of material haemocompatibility for microfluidic blood-contacting applications

Abstract

Biological applications of microfluidics technology is beginning to expand beyond the original focus of diagnostics, analytics and organ-on-chip devices. There is a growing interest in the development of microfluidic devices for therapeutic treatments, such as extra-corporeal haemodialysis and oxygenation. However, the great potential in this area comes with great challenges. Haemocompatibility of materials has long been a concern for blood-contacting medical devices, and microfluidic devices are no exception. The small channel size, high surface area to volume ratio and dynamic conditions integral to microchannels contribute to the blood-material interactions. This review will begin by describing features of microfluidic technology with a focus on blood-contacting applications. Material haemocompatibility will be discussed in the context of interactions with blood components, from the initial absorption of plasma proteins to the activation of cells and factors, and the contribution of these interactions to the coagulation cascade and thrombogenesis. Reference will be made to the testing requirements for medical devices in contact with blood, set out by International Standards in ISO 10993-4. Finally, we will review the techniques for improving microfluidic channel haemocompatibility through material surface modifications—including bioactive and biopassive coatings—and future directions.

Inhibition effect of copper-bearing metals on arterial neointimal hyperplasia via the AKT/Nrf2/ARE pathway in vitro and in vivo

“…Previous studies have shown that the protein adsorption specificity and selectivity of materials have an important impact on the blood compatibility of materials [ 38 ]. It is generally believed that the albumin adheres to the surface of the materials can cause the formation of biological passivation film on the material surface, and inhibit the adhesion of platelets, thus preventing thrombosis [ 39 , 40 ]. Adhesion of fibrinogen can activate and accelerate platelet adhesion and coagulation process [ 41 ].…”

Membrane-based microfluidic systems for medical and biological applications

“…2) An optimized vascular network coupled with effective surface modifications and coatings to minimize the foreign body response of the device. 241 The functions of the heart and arteries are mechanical rather than chemical, thus an effort to recreate in the systems the forces and stresses produced by the blood flow on the walls of the cardiovascular vessels is mandatory. The blood flow path should reproduce the circular vascular channel geometry, follow natural scaling and branching laws, and exhibit velocities and shear stress in a physiological range.…”

Recent Developments in the Use of Plasma in Medical Applications

“…From the earlier coatings of simple antifouling fluorocarbons [56], plasma deposition has now evolved to embrace more complex Zwitterionic antifouling layers [57]. Bio-compatible layers can now be prepared from materials such as organosilicons [55], and plasma processing is a key step in the manufacture of blood-compatible coatings [58]. The development of barrier coatings for a range of medical and non-medical applications is a growing area [59].…”