Abstract
The research described in this thesis is focused on the synthesis and evaluation of a vascular graft coating consisting of albumin and the anticoagulant heparin (alb-hep conjugate), which may fulfill the above mentioned requirements. Previous research demonstrated that coating of surfaces with alb-hep conjugates improves blood compatibility of graft surfaces. Moreover, a number of adhesive proteins such as cellular fibronectin have binding sites for heparin, and may therefore mediate the binding of ECs to the alb-hep conjugate coating. In the present model study, polystyrene is modified by gas plasma treatment to generate chemical groups at the surface which are used to covalently immobilize the alb-hep conjugate. The coupling chemistry and the stability of the coatings have been investigated. Subsequently, this substrate (either with or without added fibronectin) was tested for its capability to allow adherence and proliferation of ECs. Moreover, the effect of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), loaded onto surface-immobilized alb-hep conjugate, on the proliferation of seeded ECs has been studied. Next, blood compatibility of surfaces coated with alb-hep conjugate is reported, as well as the effect of seeded ECs on platelet deposition to these substrates. In addition, blood compatibility of crosslinked gels of albumin and heparin, adhesion and proliferation of ECs on these substrates, as well as the effect of seeded ECs on platelet deposition have been investigated. Finally, the isolation and characterization of microvascular ECs from adipose tissue are reported, as well as their culture on surface-immobilized alb-hep conjugate.
Original language | English |
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Awarding Institution |
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Award date | 21 Aug 1998 |
Place of Publication | Enschede |
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Print ISBNs | 90-3651166-6 |
Publication status | Published - 21 Aug 1998 |
Keywords
- METIS-105065
- IR-9093