Significance
Chronic lung diseases lead to 168,000 deaths each year in America, but only 2300 lung transplantations happen each year. Hollow fiber membrane oxygenators are clinically used as artificial lungs to provide respiratory support for patients, but their long-term viability is hindered by surface-induced clot formation that leads to premature device failure. Among different coatings investigated for blood-contacting applications, poly-carboxybetaine (pCB) coatings have shown remarkable reduction in protein adsorption in vitro. However, their efficacy in vivo remains unclear. This is the first work that investigates various pCB-coating methods on artificial lung surfaces and their biocompatibility in sheep and rabbit studies. This work highlights the promise of applying pCB coatings on artificial lungs to extend its durability and enable long-term respiratory support for lung disease patients.
Statement of significance
Chronic lung diseases lead to 168,000 deaths each year in America, but only 2300 lung transplantations happen each year. Hollow fiber membrane oxygenators are clinically used as artificial lungs to provide respiratory support for patients, but their long-term viability is hindered by surface-induced clot formation that leads to premature device failure. Among different coatings investigated for blood-contacting applications, poly-carboxybetaine (pCB) coatings have shown remarkable reduction in protein adsorption in vitro. However, their efficacy in vivo remains unclear. This is the first work that investigates various pCB-coating methods on artificial lung surfaces and their biocompatibility in sheep and rabbit studies. This work highlights the promise of applying pCB coatings on artificial lungs to extend its durability and enable long-term respiratory support for lung disease patients.