Polyaspartic acid coatings for blood-contacting surfaces: Promising antithrombotic and antibacterial properties under static and dynamic conditions

Abstract

The increasing use of blood-contacting medical devices has brought about significant advancements in patient care, yet it also presents challenges such as thrombus formation and infection risks. Surface coatings play a vital role in mitigating these side effects, enhancing the safety and effectiveness of such devices. In this study, we introduced a novel coating employing poly(aspartic acid) (PASP), which can be easily applied through various modification pathways. PASP has demonstrated the ability to resist surface coagulation and exhibited antibacterial properties in vitro under both static and dynamic flow conditions. The results showed that PASP coatings significantly reduced platelet adhesion and thrombus formation, with the blood clot area percentage being reduced to 1.0 ± 0.5% from 9.7 ± 4.6% on uncoated surfaces. Furthermore, PASP coatings showed a notable reduction in E. coli adhesion, with bacterial levels decreasing to 71.5 ± 12.6%. These findings suggest that PASP is a promising candidate for enhancing the biocompatibility and functionality of blood-contacting medical devices, with potential for further development in antibacterial and antithrombotic applications.