We have established a novel approach for functionalizing PLA with trifluoromethyl groups to improve its hemocompatibility. TFICP immobilized surfaces had higher hydrophobicity and showed no sign of cytotoxicity toward NIH-3T3 fibroblast cells. So far, we have seen differentiated protein adsorption behavior of fluorinated PLA compared to control samples. TFICP immobilized surfaces adsorbed higher amount of the Alb in human blood plasma solutions. In addition, we observed greater amount of retained Alb on these surfaces after incubating them with 2% SDS. We therefore would expect these fluorinated surfaces to show improved blood compatibility in vivo as tight binding of Alb contributes to improved blood compatibility by passivating the surfaces of these polymers. Since a preadsorbed layer of Alb inhibits subsequent adhesion of Fg and decreases platelet adhesion producing a potentially less thrombogenic surfaces (5). In fact, fluorinated surfaces have shown satisfactory clinical performance and have often been the material of choice for blood contact applications. Interaction of platelets with these fluorinated surfaces are currently under investigation.
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