A titanium surface that’s extremely repellent to blood could form the basis for surgical implants which reduce the risk of rejection by the body.

Collaboration among mechanical and biomedical engineers at Colorado State University has resulted in this “superhemophobic” material that acts as a perfect barrier between the titanium and blood.

Blood, plasma and water droplets beading on a liquid-repellent surface. Source: Colorado State UniversityThe researchers grew chemically altered surfaces on titanium sheets. Experiments indicated very low levels of platelet adhesion, a biological process that leads to blood clotting and eventual rejection of a foreign material.

Variations of titanium surfaces were analyzed, including different textures and chemistries, and the extent of platelet adhesion and activation was compared. Fluorinated nanotubes offered the best protection against clotting. Follow-up experiments involving other clotting factors and real medical devices are planned.