Description
Human life elongation and population aging greatly increases demands for implant materials. Heart prostheses, vascular grafts, heart valves and coronary stents are used to treat the greatest killer of Western societies - cardiovascular diseases. Despite many years of intensive research materials used to fabricate synthetic implants still cause formation of clots in the bloodstream, which can have fatal consequences for the patient. Under physiological conditions the process of blood clotting is controlled by endothelial cells. Thus, the most promising strategy to fabricate non-thrombogenic materials is covering the implant surface with a layer of endothelial cells. Endothelial cells can be applied onto the synthetic implant before the procedure (in vitro endothelialization) or can be recruited from the bloodstream and the surrounding areas (in situ endothelialization). In the presented project a number of biomaterials with targeted surface modifications will be produced. The surface-modified materials will be designed to selectively promote endothelial cell adhesion and proliferation.
Summary of project results
The aim of the project was to design hemocompatible surface with potential application in blood-contacting devices, such as vascular prostheses or prosthetic heart. Currently, there is a huge demand for this type of material due to the increasing number of patients suffering from cardiovascular diseases. The result of the project was to develop a method for surface modification of medical polyurethanes . The method includes fabrication of bioactive coating that is selective for endothelial cells (ECs) and promotes ECs attachment, growth and proliferation. As a result of this modification material can be coated with patient’ cells which significantly reduces coagulation processes and improves hemocompatibility. Future beneficiaries of the project are people suffering from diseases such as heart failure, atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease. The development of new blood-contacting materials allow for more efficient work of prosthesis and limitation of pharmacological treatment after surgery.
Summary of bilateral results