DHNTs assimilated TPU/PEG membrane a new combination for evaluation of in-vitro blood-coagulation

Abstract Thermoplastic polyurethane is known for its elasticity and hydrophobicity, which is significant for a few biomedical applications. The risk of clotting formation in blood-contacting devices is a major concern. Altering the surface of polymer with the addition of suitable nanofillers and additives can improve the blood compatibility of the prepared materials. Thus, aiming for enhanced blood compatibility of TPU (1) addition of PEG as an effective pore creator leads to enhancement in hydrophilicity, (2) modification of halloysite by universal bio-adhesives such as polydopamine, attach to the wall of HNTs by oxidation and self-polymerization, resulting as superior biomedical nanocomposites. The membrane is fabricated via the phase-inversion technique. TPU, TPU/PEG, and DHNTs@TPU/PEG were compared based on major characteristics such as hydrophilicity, pore analysis by SEM (ImageJ), and the blood compatibility test. In-Vitro blood coagulation and degradation study of pure TPU, TPU/PEG and DHNTs@TPU/PEG membrane suggest that the modified DHNTs-TPU/PEG membrane has better blood coagulation time and decreased hemolysis ratio. A degradation study with a variation in pH shows the breakage of a polymeric chain of the membrane. These results can suggest that the modified membrane has a potential application in the biomedical. Graphical Abstract