Abstract
A wide number of polymers are being used for various medical applications. In this work, microwave-assisted surface modification of metallocene polyethylene (mPE) was studied. FTIR analysis showed no significant changes in the chemical groups after treatment. Contact angle analysis revealed a decrease in contact angle of the treated samples insinuating increasing hydrophilicity and better biocompatibility. Qualitative analysis of treated samples using scanning electron microscope (SEM) depicted increasing surface roughness and holes formation further corroborating the results. Coagulation assays performed for estimating prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) showed an increase in the clotting time which further confirmed the improved blood compatibility of the microwave-treated surfaces. Further, the extent of hemolysis in the treated sample was lower than the untreated one. Hence, microwave-assisted surface modification of mPE resulted in enhanced blood compatibility. Improved blood compatibility of mPE may be exploited for fabrication of artificial vascular prostheses, implants, and various blood contacting devices.
Highlights
One of the most versatile classes of biomaterials is polymers
Polymers have gained a widespread attention in the field of biomaterials especially for fabrication of implant materials. Metallocene polyethylene (mPE) is an emerging polymer that has been used in manufacturing of blood bags, bottles, packaging materials, syringe tubes, and so forth due to its excellent strength and optical properties
When mPE is considered for blood contacting devices, lack of blood compatibility is a major concern
Summary
One of the most versatile classes of biomaterials is polymers. Metallocene consists of two cyclopentadienyl anions (Cp, C5H5−) bound to a metal center (M) with the oxidation state II, resulting in a general formula (C5H5) M [3, 4]. These materials have a high potential as replacements for flexible PVC in the coming years as their film density is approximately 30% lower than that of PVC, creating a lower volume of waste material from disposable medical devices [5]. Current medical applications of mPE include disposable bags, storage bottles, blood bags, and syringe tubes. mPE has an excellent permeability to oxygen and acts as a barrier towards ammonia and water makes mPE
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