The goal of this research project is to create a biomaterial substrate to support endothelial-specific adhesion and proliferation to further impart thromboresistance to bioimplants. Exposure of blood to an artificial surface usually leads to the activation of the intrinsic pathway of the plasma coagulation cascade and to the activation of platelets which are often accompanied by the formation of a thrombus or blood clot. A popular technique for imparting thromboresistance to biomaterials has involved the endothelialization ("endothelial seeding") of biomaterial surfaces. Successful endothelialization of biomedical implants may improve biocompatibility and aid in reducing antigenicity and thromboginicity of vascular grafts. The techniques of producing precultured endothelialized surfaces and seeding material with blood containing endothelial cells may require a specialized biomaterial surface to support cell adhesion. This research will use plasma surface modification technology to incorporate hydroxyl functional groups onto the polymeric bioimplant surface. The cell-binding peptides will be immobilized to the previously modified bioimplant surface with tresyl chloride chemistry.
