Affiliations: Center for Biomaterial Development and Berlin-Brandenburg Centre for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Institute of Polymer Research, Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht, Teltow, Germany
Note: [] Corresponding author: Prof. F. Jung, Center for Biomaterial Development and Berlin-Brandenburg Centre for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Institute of Polymer Research, Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht, Teltow, Germany. Tel.: +49 3328 352 269; Fax: +49 3328 352 452; E-mail: friedrich.jung@hzg.de
Abstract: Cardiovascular implants are increasingly important in regenerative medicine. To improve the safety and function of blood-contacting implants a major need exists for new polymer-based biomaterials that avoid adverse reactions, particularly thrombotic events. This review is aimed to summarize the multi-stepped and interlinked processes leading to a thrombus growth on body foreign surfaces: protein adsorption, platelet adhesion accompanied by activation and spreading and the release of substances of various organelles activating other neighboured platelets (and the plasmatic coagulation) leading to the formation of a plug of platelets and, finally, to a thrombus.
Keywords: Protein adsorption, platelet activation, platelet aggregation, foreign body
