Montgomerie, Zachary Z., authorPopat, Ketul C., advisorLi, Vivian, committee memberSampath, Walajabad S., committee member2020-09-072022-09-022020https://hdl.handle.net/10217/212030Thrombosis formation and bacterial infection are key challenges for blood-contacting medical devices. When blood components encounter a device's surface, proteins are adsorbed, followed by the adhesion and activation of platelets as well as an immune response. This culminates in clot formation via the trapping of red blood cells in a fibrin matrix, which can block the device's function and cause severe complications for the patient. Bacteria may also adhere to a device's surface. This can lead to the formation of a biofilm, a protective layer for bacteria that significantly increases resistance to antibiotics. Despite years of research, no long-term solutions have been discovered to combat these issues. To impede thrombosis, patients often take antiplatelet drugs for the life of their device, which can cause excess bleeding and other complications. Patients can take antibiotics to fight bacterial infection, but these are often ineffective if biofilms are formed. Superhydrophobic surfaces have recently been studied for their antiadhesive properties and show promise in reducing both thrombosis and bacterial infection. In this work, superhydrophobic titania nanoflower surfaces were successfully fabricated on a titanium alloy Ti-6Al-4V substrate and examined for both hemocompatibility and bacterial adhesion. The results indicated a reduction of protein adsorption, platelet and leukocyte adhesion and activation, whole blood clotting, bacterial adhesion, and biofilm formation, as well as surface stability compared to control surfaces.born digitalmasters thesesengCopyright and other restrictions may apply. User is responsible for compliance with all applicable laws. For information about copyright law, please see https://libguides.colostate.edu/copyright.biomaterialssuperhydrophobictitanium alloynanoflowersbacterial infectionthrombosisText