Influence of surface morphology and surface free energy on the anticoagulant properties of nanocone‐shaped ZnO films

Abstract

AbstractThe anticoagulant properties of materials are easily affected by the surface properties, which provide belief for designing and developing effective anticoagulant materials to achieve long‐term stable application of blood‐contacting implants and devices. Here, various nanocone‐shaped ZnO films were prepared by simple electrochemical deposition followed by hydrothermal method, and modified with polyethylene glycol (PEG10000, a hydrophilic substance). The influence of surface morphology and surface free energy on the anticoagulant properties of ZnO nanofilms was explored. Both hydrophilic (CA < 40°, surface modified with PEG10000) and superhydrophobic (CA > 150°, surface with rough needle‐like structure) ZnO nanofilms have good anticoagulant properties. Compared with the free energy of the film surface, the surface microstructure of ZnO nanofilms has a greater impact on the anticoagulant properties. After the ZnO nanofilms were modified with PEG, the contact model of water on the surface conforms to the Wenzel model instead of the Cassie model. The number of adhesive platelets was largely reduced, and the hemolysis rate is less than 5%, indicating the better blood compatibility. These characteristics are of special significance for the development of nanomaterials with good anticoagulation.