Review Does polyethylene oxide possess a low thrombogenicity?

Abstract

Because of the 'bland' nature of polyethylene oxide towards proteins and cells, considerable effort has been devoted to preparing surfaces rich in polyethylene oxide, using block copolymers, surface immobilization or other methods. It is clear that these modifications result in reduced levels of cell (including platelet) adhesion and protein adsorption, when compared to unmodified and typically hydrophobic substrates. It is far less clear whether the reduced adhesion or adsorption is due specifically to the thermodynamic effects of polyethylene oxide or to the increase in surface hydrophilicity after its immobilization. Even more so, it is unclear whether the reduction in such parameters is evidence of a reduced thrombogenicity.