Properties of carbodiimide treated heparin

Heparin, a well-known anticoagulant, has been frequently used to coat surfaces for attaining blood compatibility of polymeric materials. Since carbodiimides are often used for immobilization of heparin on these biomaterials, the present study intended to evaluate some properties of carbodiimide-treated heparin. It was observed that the properties of heparin were altered after treatment with carbodiimide, mainly in the molar excess of this reagent. Thus, dye fixation and electrophoretic behaviour of heparin were modified, as well as its degradability by specific enzymes. Also, these modifications resulted in loss of anticoagulant activity. Infrared spectra of this carbodiimide-treated heparin presented evidence that can confirm its modification.