Studies of Elastin as a Biomaterial:The Correlation of Surface Composition with Effects on Platelets and Clotting by Native,Altered,and Reconstituted Elastin.

摘要

Studies of elastin and its interaction with blood were undertaken to define its possible role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis,identify the surface chemical bases for its effects,if any,on platelets and clotting,and attempt its reconstitution from soluble fragments (alpha-elastin). Results to date,obtained mainly with alkali-extracted chloroform-methanol delipidated bovine ligamentum nuchae elastin,indicate that such elastin surfaces are predominantly hydrophobic, nonionogenic,charged almost solely by anion adsorption,and only weakly adsorbent for dissolved macromolecules. In contact with native whole rabbit blood they show no detectable thrombogenicity and only marginal evidences of clot-promoting activity. Elastase digestion increases the polarity of the elastin surface and makes it thrombogenic. Alpha-Elastin coacervates treated to regenerate peptide bonds have yielded insoluble elastomeric solids.