The interaction of polymer surfaces with blood

Some general aspects of the interaction of foreign materials with blood are summarized. The role of protein adsorption in this interaction is briefly discussed. In an attempt to produce more stable antithrombogenic surface coatings than the well-known heparin-bonded surfaces, a method is described in which a high-molecular-weight polyelectrolyte is bound to polymer surfaces. In vitro experiments carried out with freshly drawn human blood show a reduced platelet adhesion on such surfaces.