The Interaction of Platelets with Polymer Surfaces

Abstract

A direct relationship has been shown between platelet adhesion and critical surface tension of uncharged hydrophobic polymers when the air-blood interface is avoided. The similarity of this relationship to the previously observed relationship between critical surface tension and surface thrombogenicity suggests a possible major role for platelet activation as the initiating step in the surface-induced coagulation of blood on uncharged, hydrophobic polymers. The apparent damaging effects of a blood-air interface, as indicated by unusually heavy platelet adhesion suggests that such interfaces should be avoided in all blood/surface studies. ^* This work was supported by the National Heart Institute, Artificial Heart Program, under Contract No. PH 43-64-84 and in part by the National Institute of Arthritis and Metabolic Diseases, Artificial Kidney Program, under Contract No. PH 43-66-493. ^** Present address to which all correspondence should be directed: University of Utah, Materials Science Division and Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112.