Effects of single-walled carbon nanotubes on the functions of plasma proteins and potentials in vascular prostheses.
BACKGROUND
Nonwoven single-walled nanotubes (SWNTs) are novel materials with a nanotopography macroscopic surface and pure-carbon composition, which may serve as coatings on implants in blood-contact environments.


METHODS
The adsorption behavior of albumin, fibrinogen, and fresh plasma on SWNT membranes was studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive x-ray, and direct enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. Platelet adhesion and activation were investigated in vitro using SEM observation, and via flow cytometry analysis by PAC-1, which binds to GPIIb/IIIa expressed on activated platelets.


RESULTS
Nonwoven SWNTs clearly displayed greater adsorption preference for fibrinogen than for albumin. However, adhered platelets were not observed by SEM. Results obtained from flow cytometry analysis further proved very low expression of GPIIb/IIIa on platelets caused by nonwoven SWNTs.


CONCLUSIONS
The function of adsorbed fibrinogen to mediate platelet recognition, adhesion, activation, and aggregation was significantly suppressed, which induced extremely low levels of platelet adhesion and activation.
Meng
Jie
J
Institute of Basic Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
Song
Li
L
Xu
Haiyan
H
Kong
Hua
H
Wang
Chaoying
C
Guo
Xiaotian
X
Xie
Sishen
S
D000327:Adsorption; D001665:Binding Sites; D001792:Blood Platelets / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D001798:Blood Proteins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D001807:Blood Vessel Prosthesis; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D020099:Coated Materials, Biocompatible / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D008422:Materials Testing; D037742:Nanotubes, Carbon / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D010316:Particle Size; D015539:Platelet Activation / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology*; D010973:Platelet Adhesiveness / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D011485:Protein Binding
D001798:Blood Proteins; D020099:Coated Materials, Biocompatible; D037742:Nanotubes, Carbon