Superhydrophobic blood-compatible surfaces: state of the art

Various strategies have been developed to improve blood compatibility of biomaterials, mostly through surface modification techniques. Superhydrophobic surfaces are among the promising approaches controlling the interaction of proteins and cells with external surfaces in medical applications. This review summarizes the recent studies on hemocompatibility of superhydrophobic surfaces. The review begins with principle theories on wettability of surfaces, and then evaluates the interaction of blood proteins and platelets with superhydrophobic surfaces and discusses the conflicting results. Finally, future challenges in utilizing superhydrophobic surfaces for blood contacting applications are also addressed.