Blood compatibility and tissue responsiveness on simple and durable methylsiloxane coating

This study was conducted to evaluate the blood compatibility and tissue responsiveness of methylsiloxane (MS)-coated inorganic (glass and metal) substrates both in vitro and in vivo. MS was prepared from methyltriethoxysilane (MTES) through hydrolysis of a sol–gel solution at 80 °C. The adhesive strength of the MS coating was evaluated by using a tear-off test, revealing that the MS strongly adhered to the surface of the inorganic substrates. Blood compatibility was evaluated by assessing platelet adhesion and blood plasma coagulation time. The platelet aggregation ratio of the MS-coated glass tube was reduced to 10%, which was much smaller than that of the coating-free glass tubes (99%) and conventional blood-compatible polystyrene (PS) tubes (18%). Coagulation time was measured by active partial thromboplastin time (APTT) test, which showed that MS coating is as inert as PS in activating blood coagulation factor XII. Tissue responsiveness to the bulk MS sample, evaluated by animal test, showed a desirable compatibility comparable to that of the control titanium sample. This study indicated that MS coating is readily available to convert inorganic materials to useful biomaterials that have suitable mechanical strength and are compatible with blood and tissue.

► Fabrication of a blood-compatible methylsiloxane coating via a simple process. ► Methylsiloxane coating on metal substrates with sufficient adhesion. ► Suppression of platelet adhesion and coagulation factor activation. ► Sufficient tissue compatibility. ► Availability of methylsiloxane coating for inorganic medical instruments.