In-vitro fibrin assembly: From the bulk to the interface

The assembly of fibrinogen to a fibrin network has great implications not only for physiological processes, like hemostasis and wound healing, but also for the inspiration of new biomaterials. In this review, we first introduce the structural basis of the fibrinogen monomer and the multi-step process of the assembly of the fibrin network triggered by thrombin. Then, we discuss the structure-property relationship of fibrin mechanics at different scales based on different characterization methods. Moreover, we focus on a factor that has received increasing attention, surface properties, and review the current findings about the influence of surface charge, wettability, and surface morphology on network formation. Further studies are necessary to decipher the structural origin and in-vivo implications of fibrin mechanics with more advanced characterization techniques. The structure, mechanics, and fibrinolysis of fibrin clots on material surfaces also have great potential for future research. • We review the structural basis of the fibrinogen monomer and the multi-step process of the assembly of the fibrin network triggered by thrombin. • We examine the strengths and limitations of different characterization methods and discuss the structure-property relationship of fibrin mechanics at different scales. • We review the current findings about the effects of surface charge, wettability, and surface morphology on fibrin assembly.