Authors: Renò, Filippo; Traina, Vincenzina; Cannas, Mario

Source: Journal of Biomaterials Science, Polymer Edition, Volume 18, Number 6, 2007 , pp. 785-797(13)

Publisher: VSP, an imprint of Brill

Abstract:

Poly(D,L-lactic acid) (P(D,L)LA) is a biocompatible and biodegradable polymer whose use is limited to orthopaedic applications. In fact, the mechanical properties of P(D,L)LA are not usually utilized for cardiovascular applications, as the polymer has been proven to activate both granulocyte- and platelet-causing inflammation. In order to improve P(D,L)LA haemocompatibility vitamin E (α-tocoferol, 10-30% (w/w)), a natural biological anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, was added during the solvent casting of P(D,L)LA film. The P(D,L)LA films obtained were then analysed using FT-IR analysis to assess vitamin E presence; polymer surface wettability and human plasma protein adsorption were measured by sessile drop test, spectrophotometric protein quantification and Western blot, respectively, and polymer haemocompatibility was assessed measuring platelet and granulocyte adhesion and whole blood coagulation. Vitamin E presence caused an increase in polymer surface wettability and human plasma protein adsorption. The combination of both effects may account for the decrease in platelet and granulocyte adhesion and for the doubling of whole blood clotting time measured onto vitamin-E-enriched P(D,L)LA compared to control P(D,L)LA. Our results indicate that vitamin E addition improves P(D,L)LA haemocompatibility, making this polymer suitable for cardiovascular application.

Keywords: POLY(D,L-LACTIC ACID); VITAMIN E; HAEMOCOMPATIBILITY; PLATELET; GRANULOCYTE

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1163/156856207781034098

Affiliations: 1: Human Anatomy Laboratory, Research Center for Biocompatibility Tissue Engineering, Experimental and Clinical Medicine Department, University of Eastern Piedmont "A. Avogadro", Via Solaroli 17, 28100 Novara, Italy

Publication date: 2007-06-01

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