Poly ( D,L ) lactic acid blending with vitamin E increases polymer hemocompatibility: An hydrophilic effect

Biocompatible and resorbable polylactic acid (PLA) derived polymers are used for clinical applications. Antioxidant vitamin E (Vit.E) and vitamin E acetate (Vit.E Ac), a Vit.E commercial analog, were added to PLA during films preparation. Wettability, protein adsorption analysis, platelet adhesion and whole blood coagulation experiments highlighted that Vit.E incorporation improved PLA hemocompatibility. NMR analysis showed that Vit.E and Vit.E Ac blending differentially altered PLA polymer organization with Vit.E leading to the formation of microcavities, as observed by SEM analysis, while reducing surface hydrophobicity.