Abstract
Blood compatibility is one of the essential requirements of any substitute introduced into the biological system. The compatibility of a polymer or any substance in blood requires that the material should not cause thrombosis, destroy cellular elements, alter plasma protein, deplete electrolytes, or cause acute or delayed toxicity. Consequently, clinical researchers seek biologically active polymers that are similar to blood proteins in structure and physical characteristics. Polymers can react with blood proteins and cell surfaces but also with other macromolecules to form supermolecular structures. These associations occur with neutral molecules through van der Waals forms and hydrogen bonding. Polyions form even stronger electrostatic interactions through ionic linkages. Unfortunately, the medical utilization of polyanions is deterred so far by their adverse toxicological effects, such as anemia, leukocytosis induction, and sensitization to biological endotoxins. In human patients, polyanions have produced pyrexia, thrombocytopenia, and temporary blindness. However, refinement of the macromolecules, such as lower M.W. and narrower polydispersity, has greatly decreased these adverse effects without significantly altering their efficacy.
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