PHYSICAL AND HYDRODYNAMIC FACTORS AFFECTING ERYTHROCYTE ADHESION TO POLYMER SURFACES

Using a flow cell design which ensures fully developed laminar flow, the influence of various hydrodynamic and physical factors in determining the extent of erythrocyte adhesion to various polymer surfaces has been examined: the effect of exposure time, flow rate, erythrocyte concentration, and substrate surface tension on the extent of erythrocyte adhesion were investigated. Results indicate: erythrocyte adhesion is most extensive on the more hydrophobic surfaces; rate of adhesion is higher on the more hydrophobic surfaces; saturation coverage occurs after 7-10 min of exposure to the erythrocyte suspension for all substrates examined. Adhesion decreases with an increase in flow rate; and substrate surface defects such as roughness have a major effect on the pattern of erythrocyte adhesion.