Functionalization of the blood-polymer interface of the InCor ventricular assist device (VAD).

• Grant number: 18/19508-8
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• Start date: November 01, 2018
• End date: June 30, 2019
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Biomedical Engineering - Bioengineering
• Principal Investigator: Idágene Aparecida Cestari
• Grantee: Kamila Anna Meissner
• Host Institution: Instituto do Coração Professor Euryclides de Jesus Zerbini (INCOR). Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da USP (HCFMUSP). Secretaria da Saúde (São Paulo - Estado). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 12/50283-6 - Circulatory support in pediatric patients: ventricular assist device and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, AP.TEM

Abstract

Anisotropic topographic patterns at the micro and submicrometric scales present on synthetic surfaces may contribute to the establishment of a functional endothelium, a process known as endothelialization. In this work we will develop the methodology for functionalization of the blood-polymer interface of the InCor pediatric ventricular assist device (VAD). Topographic elements will be produced through laser ablation to favor endothelialization by endothelial cells derived from induced pluripotent human stem cells (iPSCs). After establishing the endothelialization of the blood-contacting surfaces under static culture, the VADs will be mounted in a bioreactor to expose the newly formed endothelium to regimens of near physiological flow and pressure, found during clinical use of these devices.