Design and hemocompatibility of the micro–nano multiscale patterns of TiO2 nanowires/carbon composite films

• A new technology is used to fabricate the micro-nano patterned TiO2/carbon films.
• The micropatterned TiO2/carbon films can greatly suppress the platelets adhesion.
• The excellent hemocompatibility is attributed to the micro-nano structures.

The micro–nano multiscale patterns of TiO2 nanowires/carbon composite films with three different topographies are fabricated by combining photolithography, hydrothermal method and pulsed magnetic filtered cathodic vacuum arc deposition. The hemocompatibility of the micro–nano multiscale patterned composite films is assessed by the platelet adhesion test in vitro. Results show that the fewer platelets are adhered on the patterned TiO2 nanowires/carbon composite films, indicating that the surface topography of the micro–nano multiscale patterns is a key factor in regulating the platelet behavior. The analysis demonstrates good correlation between the platelet coagulation behavior and the micro–nano multiscale effect, which leads to less effective surface contact area and less possibility of platelet variation. It suggests that the design of micro–nano multiscale patterns should be a promising technology to improve the hemocompatibility of implantable medical devices.