Immobilized albumin-immunoglobulin G for improved hemocompatibility of biopolymers

Studies reported from this laboratory in the past have shown that certain surfaces pretreated with albumin-Immunoglobulin G (alb-IgG) become relatively more hemocompatible (reduced platelet adhesion, minimal thrombus). However, adsorbed proteins, including alb-IgG, desorb rapidly when exposed to circulating blood. Therefore, efforts were made to immobilize alb-IgG on glass or Biomer. Cross-linked IgG or immobilization of IgG on crosslinked albumin following the above methods rendered the surfaces more thrombogenic. It was noted, however, that crosslinked proteins on Biomer were dislodged rapidly in areas with turbulent flow. These observations suggest that, although immobilization of alb-IgG may be a useful approach to improve hemocompatibility of certain polymers, it will be necessary to develop better methods to obtain more stable immobilization of proteins at the polymer interface.