Attachment of blood cells onto ZrO2 and SiO2-containing glass

Abstract

Samples of zirconia and a bioinert SiO2-containing glass with different surface roughness were immersed into human whole blood for different settling times to investigate the adhesion and attachment of blood cells onto these materials. The cell/material interface was directly observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results indicate that the blood cells preserved their physiology and attaching capability regardless the type of material, surface roughness, and settling time. The SEM images strongly indicate the normal function of adhesion proteins.