OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of nano-sized carbon as a dispersed phase on blood compatibility of polyurethanes.

METHODSA novel nanoscale polymeric composite film was prepared by dispersing nano-sized carbon fiber (vapor growth carbon fiber) into the polyurethane solutions. The surface blood compatibilities of the composites were analyzed and evaluated through platelet adhesion measurement using epifluorescent video microscopy and the variation of fibrinogen and free hemoglobin concentration in the blood contacting the composite respectively.

RESULTSIt was showed that the platelet adhesions were highly suppressed on the composite surfaces pre-adsorbed or non-pre-adsorbed with fibrinogen. The changes of the concentration for both free hemoglobin and fibrinogen in the blood contacting the composite surface in the circulations were less than the ones contacting the reference surface.

CONCLUSIONSIntroducing nano-sized carbon into the polyurethane matrix showed an improvement of antithrombogenicity for the polyurethane materials. It might be a new promising way to develop biomaterials with good blood compatibility.