Tethered-liquid omniphobic surface coating reduces surface thrombogenicity, delays clot formation and decreases clot strength ex vivo

Hemocompatible materials for extracorporeal life support (ECLS) technology are investigated to mitigate thrombotic complications associated with this therapy. A promising solution is an omniphobic bilayer coating, tethered liquid perfluorocarbon (TLP), which utilizes an immobilized tether to anchor a mobile, liquid surface lubricant that prevents adhesion of blood components to the substrate. In this study, we investigated the effects of TLP on real-time clot formation using thromboelastography (TEG). TLP was applied to TEG cups, utilizing perfluorodecalin (PFD) or FluorLube63 as the liquid layer, and compared to uncoated cups. Human blood (n = 10) was added to cups; and TEG parameters (R, K, α-angle, MA, LY30, LY60) and adherent thrombus weight were assessed. TLP decreased clot amplification (α-angle), clot strength (MA), and adherent clot weight (p <.0001). These effects were greater with FluorLube63 versus PFD (α-angle p <.0001; MA p =.0019; clot weight p <.0001). Reaction time (R) was longer in TLP-coated cups versus control cups with liquid lubricant added (p =.0377). Percent fibrinolysis (LY30 and LY60) was greater in the TLP versus controls at LY30 (p <.0001), and in FluoroLube63 versus controls at LY60 (p =.0021). TLP significantly altered clot formation, exerting antithrombogenic effects. This reduction in surface thrombogenicity supports TLP as a candidate for improved biocompatibility of ECLS materials, pending further validation with exposure to shear stress.