Modification of polymer surfaces: optimization of approaches

Abstract

Modification of polymer surfaces to achieve a surface with enhanced compatibility is an important means of obtaining improved biomaterials. Techniques are available for altering the hydrophilicity or charge of a surface, attaching macromolecules or attempting to resemble cell membranes. Relevant to the clinical success of a modified surface is the modification procedure and a procedure based on incorporation as opposed to surface treatment has potential advantages. The modification of plasticized vinyl chloride (PVC) by the incorporation of cyclodextrins is described. In comparison to unmodified PVC controls, cyclodextrin incorporation reduced fibrinogen adsorption, with the extent of reduction dependent on the type and quantity of cyclodextrin incorporated.

Leukocyte filtration and aprotinin: synergistic anti-inflammatory protection

“…Incorporation of biocompatible additives into the filter surfaces constitutes the next phase of development of leukofiltration technology. 40,41 Such advances will help accomplish the ultimate objective of making cardiopulmonary bypass surgery more physiological, thereby minimizing perioperative complications and improving outcomes to the benefit of patients.…”

International survey on the perioperative management of pulmonary endarterectomy: the perfusion perspective

“…While a recent prospective randomized study investigating the impact of main pump heads could not demonstrate any differences in clinical outcomes, the observed reduction in inflammatory mediators 24 hours after surgery and the potential for improved patient outcomes has not gone unrecognized. 11,12 With regard to evidence of reduced coagulation, complement activation and enhanced platelet preservation, 13,14 the fact that numerous centers used uncoated circuits was also unexpected, but may be a cost-related decision. While there was considerable variation in composition, the prime was the same for PEA as for regular practice in the majority of centers.…”

Examination of cell–host–biomaterial interactions via high-throughput technologies: A re-appraisal

“…Ideally, a biomaterial should cause no adverse effects to the surrounding cells or tissues, similar to the "First, do no harm" or "primum nil nocere" as stated as one of the principal guidelines in medical ethics. Protein adsorption to a biomaterial surface is influenced by the surface properties, such as hydrophobicity, charge and chemistry, and is a dynamic event involving both adsorption and desorption [22], [23] and [24]. These characteristics also determine whether proteins are adsorbed in a biologically active conformation [25].…”