Titania Nanotube Arrays as Interfaces for Blood Contacting Interfaces

Ketul Chandrakant Popat

Department of Mechanical Engineering, Colorado State University, USA

Abstract
The constant exposure of implantable biomaterials such as titanium and titanium alloys to blood introduces serious and ongoing concerns regarding poor blood-material interactions. To date, all blood-contacting materials have been shown to initiate immunological events in the form of inflammation, thrombosis, fibrosis and infection; potentially leading to complete implant failure. Material surfaces that provide biomimetic cues such as nanoscale architectures have been shown to elicit improved cellular interaction; and thus, may provide possible solutions for enhancing blood-compatibility. However, limited information exists about the thrombogenicity of nanoscale surface architectures. In this study, we have evaluated the efficacy of titania nanotube arrays as interfaces for blood contacting devices by investigating the thrombogenic effects using whole blood plasma. This work shows the improved blood-compatibility of titania nanotube arrays, identifying this specific nanoarchitecture as a potentially optimal interface for promoting the long-term success of blood contacting biomaterials.