Cell responses to biomaterials III: adhesion and growth of vascular endothelial cells on copolymers of ethylene and vinyl acetate

Abstract

Studies on four copolymers of ethylene and vinyl acetate (Elvax) have shown that with the exception of Elvax 760 (ethylene:vinyl acetate ratio 91:9) these substrates are as efficient as tissue culture grade polystyrene in supporting the attachment and growth of bovine aortal endothelial cells. The importance of extensive ethanol extractions on the cell growth response was demonstrated using Elvax 40 (ethylene:vinyl acetate ratio 60:40). Minor differences in the serum protein binding profiles of the four copolymers studied were seen; Elvax 450 appeared to bind more total serum protein as assessed by SDS-PAGE. Also Elvax 450 bound the most amount of serum fibronectin and Elvax 760 bound the least. No differences in the ability of any of the polymers to bind serum vitronectin were detected. Only small differences in partial thromboplastin times (PTT) and human platelet binding were detected, all copolymers had similar PTT and platelet affinity to Teflon. These properties relate to the possibility of using Elvax copolymers in cardiovascular prostheses.