The influence of surface patterning and/or sterilization on the haemocompatibility of polycaprolactones

Platelet adhesion, coagulation and complement activation of flowing human blood over flat, nanostructured, sterilized or not sterilized surfaces of polycaprolactones (PCL) has been attempted. Two PCL samples were secured in place forming a parallel plate flow chamber. Platelet-poor plasma (PPP) or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) circulated for 30 min with a flow rate of 22 ml/min. The PPP was then collected to determine the nAPTT and the coagulation time as well as the amount of SC5b-9 and iC3b present. PRP was also collected under the same flow conditions and platelet counting was performed. Contact of blood with all PCL surfaces resulted in platelet adhesion with the phenomenon becoming more pronounced in the case of patterned surfaces. The coagulation time was affected by the nanopatterning. EB sterilization diminished platelet adhesion without significantly affecting the coagulation time. SC5b-9 complex activation increased with nanopatterning while iC3b activation was not affected by surface treatment. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.