Studies on Metallocene Polyolefin and Polyvinyl Chloride for Blood ...

Preface
of temperature on plasticizer leaching and permeability properties were carried out with PVC/­
NBR, the most promising system. Cytotoxicity evaluation ofthis blend has also been undertaken.
Chapter 4: The suitability of m-PO for blood! blood component storage application is assessed
in this chapter by comparing its properties with those of plasticized PVC and ethylene vinyl
acetate copolymer (EVA), the two materials presently used for blood or blood component
storage applications.
Chapter 5: In order to improve the gas permeability, mPO has been blended with highly gas
permeable EVA. Two grades of EVA with different vinyl acetate contents (12 and 18wt %)
were blended with mPO. Mechanical properties like tensile strength, percentage elongation at
break, and tear strength, percentage volume swelling, clarity of the blends were evaluated with
respect to EVA content. Amounts ofextractables and the pH ofthe medium were also analysed.
The gas permeability and water permeability ofthese blends have also been determined.
Chapter 6: The most suitable candidate for blood and blood components storage, mPO modified
with EVAl2 (75:25) was further analysed for the biological performance. Biological
evaluation ofthe blends is carried out as per the procedures detailed in the International Organization
for Standardization (ISO)-I0993. In vitro cell culture cytotoxicity studies (direct as well as
indirect test methods) on mouse fibroblast cell line (L929) were carried out as a preliminary
screening test. Haemolysis, cell adhesion studies and blood-clotting time were then performed
using blood from human volunteers.
Chapter 7: The summary and conclusion ofthe whole study are presented in the last chapter.