Fibronectin coating of oxygenator membranes enhances endothelial cell attachment

Christian G Cornelissen,Julia Frese,Jörg S Sachweh,Stefan Jockenhoevel,Kai Gromann,Stefan Krueger,Maren Dietrich

doi:10.1186/1475-925x-12-7

Abstract

BackgroundExtracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) can replace the lungs’ gas exchange capacity in refractory lung failure. However, its limited hemocompatibility, the activation of the coagulation and complement system as well as plasma leakage and protein deposition hamper mid- to long-term use and have constrained the development of an implantable lung assist device. In a tissue engineering approach, lining the blood contact surfaces of the ECMO device with endothelial cells might overcome these limitations. As a first step towards this aim, we hypothesized that coating the oxygenator’s gas exchange membrane with proteins might positively influence the attachment and proliferation of arterial endothelial cells.MethodsSheets of polypropylene (PP), polyoxymethylpentene (TPX) and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), typical material used for oxygenator gas exchange membranes, were coated with collagen, fibrinogen, gelatin or fibronectin. Tissue culture treated well plates served as controls. Endothelial cell attachment and proliferation were analyzed for a period of 4 days by microscopic examination and computer assisted cell counting.ResultsEndothelial cell seeding efficiency is within range of tissue culture treated controls for fibronectin treated surfaces only. Uncoated membranes as well as all other coatings lead to lower cell attachment. A confluent endothelial cell layer develops on fibronectin coated PDMS and the control surface only.ConclusionsFibronectin increases endothelial cells’ seeding efficiency on different oxygenator membrane material. PDMS coated with fibronectin shows sustained cell attachment for a period of four days in static culture conditions.

Highlights

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) can replace the lungs’ gas exchange capacity in refractory lung failure
Endothelial cell seeding efficiency is within range of tissue culture treated controls for fibronectin treated surfaces only (Table 1)
After 24 hours 72% (± 15%) cells seeded on control surfaces adhere while 93% (± 5%) adhere on fibronectin coated PDMS (Figure 1)

Summary

Introduction

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) can replace the lungs’ gas exchange capacity in refractory lung failure. Its limited hemocompatibility, the activation of the coagulation and complement system as well as plasma leakage and protein deposition hamper mid- to long-term use and have constrained the development of an implantable lung assist device. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) can replace the lungs’ gas exchange capacity until recovery or may be used as bridge-to-transplant in terminal lung failure [4]. Limited hemocompatibilty associated with possible subsequent plasma leakage and loss of gas transfer capacity due to unspecific protein adsorption on the gas exchange membranes as well as inflammatory processes initiated by the foreign material’s surface limit its use for long-term application. The limitations delineated above constrained the development of a fully implantable lung assist device

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion