Title:Action of Nanoparticles on Platelet Activation and Plasmatic Coagulation
Volume: 23
Issue: 5
Author(s): Eleonore Fröhlich
Affiliation:
Keywords:
Nanoparticles, platelets, plasmatic coagulation, hemostasis, nanotoxicology.
Abstract: Nanomaterials can get into the blood circulation after injection or by release from implants but also
by permeation of the epithelium after oral, respiratory or dermal exposure. Once in the blood, they can affect
hemostasis, which is usually not intended. This review addresses effects of biological particles and engineered
nanomaterials on hemostasis. The role of platelets and coagulation in normal clotting and the interaction with
the immune system are described. Methods to identify effects of nanomaterials on clotting and results from in
vitro and in vivo studies are summarized and the role of particle size and surface properties discussed. The literature
overview showed that mainly pro-coagulative effects of nanomaterials have been described. In vitro
studies suggested stronger effects of smaller than of larger NPs on coagulation and a greater importance of
material than of surface charge. For instance, carbon nanotubes, polystyrene particles, and dendrimers inferred
with clotting independent from their surface charge. Coating of particles with polyethylene glycol was
able to prevent interaction with clotting by some particles, while it had no effect on others and the more recently
developed bio-inspired surfaces might help to design coatings for more biocompatible particles. The
mainly pro-coagulative action of nanoparticles could present a particular risk for individuals affected by
common diseases such as diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases. Under standardized conditions, in vitro
assays using human blood appear to be a suitable tool to study mechanisms of interference with hemostasis
and to optimize hemocompatibility of nanomaterials.
