C. Hess
A. Schwenke
P. Wagener
S. Franzka
C. L. Sajti
M. Pflaum
B. Wiegmann
A. Haverich
S. Barcikowski

Dose-dependent surface endothelialization and biocompatibility of polyurethane noble metal nanocomposites

Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part A
6
102
1909-1920
2014
Type: Zeitschriftenaufsatz (reviewed)
Abstract
Surface pre-endothelialization is a promising approach to improve the hemocompatibility of implants, medical devices, and artificial organs. To promote the adhesive property of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) for endothelial cells (ECs), up to 1 wt \% of gold (Au) or platinum (Pt) nanoparticles, fabricated by pulsed laser ablation in polymer solution, were embedded into the polymer matrix. The analysis of these nanocomposites showed a homogenous dispersion of the nanoparticles, with average diameters of 7 nm for Au or 9 nm for Pt. A dose-dependent effect was found when ECs were seeded onto nanocomposites comprising different nanoparticle concentrations, resulting in a fivefold improvement of proliferation at 0.1 wt \% nanoparticle load. This effect was associated with a nanoparticle concentrationdependent hydrophilicity and negative charge of the nanocomposite. In dynamic flow tests, nanocomposites containing 0.1 wt \% Au or Pt nanoparticles allowed for the generation of a confluent and resistant EC layer. Real-time polymerase chain reaction quantification of specific markers for EC activation indicated that ECs cultivated on nanocomposites remain in an inactivated, nonthrombogenic and noninflammatory state; however, maintain the ability to trigger an inflammatory response upon stimulation. These findings were confirmed by a platelet and leukocyte adhesion assay. The results of this study suggest the possible applicability of TPU nanocomposites, containing 0.1 wt \% Au or Pt nanoparticles, for the generation of pre-endothelialized surfaces of medical devices.