OICC Press Progress in Biomaterials 2194-0517 2 1 (December 2013) 2013 02 21 Structure and biocompatibility of poly(vinyl alcohol)-based and agarose-based monolithic composites with embedded divinylbenzene-styrene polymeric particles 10.1186/2194-0517-2-4 EN Lydia G Berezhna Protista Biotechnology AB, Bjuv, SE-26722, SE Alexander E Ivanov Protista Biotechnology AB, Bjuv, SE-26722, SE André Leistner Polymerics GmbH, Berlin, D-12681, DE Anke Lehmann Polymerics GmbH, Berlin, D-12681, DE Maria Viloria-Cols Protista Biotechnology AB, Bjuv, SE-26722, SE Hans Jungvid Protista Biotechnology AB, Bjuv, SE-26722, SE Journal Article 2013 02 21 Abstract Macroporous monolithic composites with embedded divinylbenzene-styrene (DVB-ST) polymeric particles were prepared by cryogelation techniques using poly(vinyl alcohol) or agarose solutions. Scanning electron microscopy images showed multiple interconnected pores with an average diameter in the range of 4 to 180 μm and quite homogeneous distribution of DVB-ST particles in the composites. Biocompatibility of the composites was assessed by estimation of the C5a fragment of complement in the blood serum and concentration of fibrinogen in the blood plasma which contacted the composites. A time-dependent generation of C5a fragment indicated weak activation of the complement system. At the same time, the difference in fibrinogen concentration, one of the most important proteins in the coagulation system of the blood, between the pristine blood plasma and the plasma, circulated through the monolithic columns, was insignificant.