Heparin-conjugated star-shaped PLA for improved biocompatibility.

Star-shaped PLA-heparin (sPLA-Hep) was prepared by coupling heparin to the star-shaped PLA (sPLA) reaction using carbonyldiimidazole (CDI) chemistry. Hydroxyl groups of sPLA were activated by CDI for the reaction with the remained amino-terminal groups of heparin. The surface heparin content of sPLA-Hep was measured to be 1.43 microg/cm(2). sPLA-Hep-coated surface has shown higher hydrophilicity than control surface. The clotting time of sPLA-Hep measured by activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) was significantly prolonged when compared with sPLA and linear PLA-Hep. sPLA-Hep surface demonstrated lower protein adsorption and platelet adhesion than control sPLA surface. In addition, fibroblast culture on the sPLA-Hep surface showed the enhanced cell spreading area compared with the sPLA surface. Obtained results suggest that the incorporation of heparin to sPLA is effective in curtailing the surface induced-thrombosis and in manipulating the cell interaction. sPLA-Hep could be applied as blood/tissue compatible biodegradable materials for implantable medical devices and tissue engineering.