Polydopamine-assisted deposition of heparin for selective adsorption of low-density lipoprotein

Abstract

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is the main carrier of blood cholesterol, with elevated levels of LDL increasing the risk of atherosclerosis. Blood purification therapy is an option for serious cardiovascular diseases and familial hyperlipidemia, and the therapeutic effect is largely determined by the LDL adsorbent used. In this study, a facile method is proposed to prepare LDL capture surfaces. Coatings rich in heparin were prepared by co-depositing heparin and dopamine. The mixed coatings were thoroughly characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, ellipsometry, atomic force microscopy and water contact angle measurements. Protein adsorption was analyzed by surface plasmon resonance and quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring, the results indicate that the heparin-incorporated coatings have great adsorption capacity and selectivity for LDL. In addition, the mixed coatings exhibit favorable blood compatibility in platelet adhesion assay. The described polydopamine-assisted heparin deposition process is a simple and universal method for LDL adsorbent preparation.