Thromboelastometric and platelet responses to silk biomaterials

Sci Rep. 2014 May 13:4:4945. doi: 10.1038/srep04945.

Abstract

Silkworm's silk is natural biopolymer with unique properties including mechanical robustness, all aqueous base processing and ease in fabrication into different multifunctional templates. Additionally, the nonmulberry silks have cell adhesion promoting tri-peptide (RGD) sequences, which make it an immensely potential platform for regenerative medicine. The compatibility of nonmulberry silk with human blood is still elusive; thereby, restricts its further application as implants. The present study, therefore, evaluate the haematocompatibility of silk biomaterials in terms of platelet interaction after exposure to nonmulberry silk of Antheraea mylitta using thromboelastometry (ROTEM). The mulberry silk of Bombyx mori and clinically used Uni-Graft W biomaterial serve as references. Shortened clotting time, clot formation times as well as enhanced clot strength indicate the platelet mediated activation of blood coagulation cascade by tested biomaterials; which is comparable to controls.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Animals
  • Biocompatible Materials / chemistry
  • Biocompatible Materials / pharmacology*
  • Blood Coagulation / drug effects
  • Blood Platelets / drug effects*
  • Bombyx
  • Female
  • Fibroins / chemistry
  • Fibroins / pharmacology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / chemistry
  • Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / pharmacology
  • Silk / chemistry*
  • Thrombelastography*
  • Time Factors
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Biocompatible Materials
  • Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors
  • Silk
  • Fibroins