Initial reactions of whole blood with hydrophilic and hydrophobic titanium surfaces

Abstract

Commercial sheet titanium was annealed in air at 700–800°C. The hydrophilic, annealed sheets were immersed in sterile distilled water and stored until use. The hydrophilic titanium was made hydrophobic by ultrasonication in water-saturated 1-butanol (1:10) for 30 min, followed by rinsing in absolute ethanol and water. The titanium surfaces were exposed to capillary blood for 5 s. Immobilised plasma proteins and cells were detected with immunofluorescence by specific, fluorescein-labelled antibodies. Quantitation of labelled antigen was made with computer-aided image analysis. Two distinct patterns of blood reactions were seen. On the hydrophobic surface, signals from anti-fibrinogen antibodies were dominant and large amounts of adhering platelets were seen. On the hydrophilic surface, signals from antibodies against complement factor C1 and prothrombin/thrombin were dominant and only a few platelets were found adhering to the surface. The results are discussed in relation to similar findings on hydrophilic and hydrophobic quartz glass surfaces.