Quartz hemolysis as related to its surface functionalities

Quartz has been observed to be a potent hemolytic agent in all red cell systems studied thus far. Its effect appears to be one of quartz surface-cell interaction: the active site on the mineral and its mechanism have long been considered the silanol group and its hydrogendonor character. The surface of the mineral quartz is hydrated in the presence of water to form such silanol groups, which are in part ionized. This imparts two functionalities, both of which are available for bonding. Binding of the proton-accepting polymer, polyvinyl-pyridine-N-oxide, to the hydrogen site on the quartz surface is readily achieved and the hemolytic effect of the mineral is blocked. However, metal salts (strong Lewis acids), at the same pH, also bind on the quartz surface and blunt hemolysis, even in the presence of unsatisfied hydrogen sites. Both the polymer compound and cationic metals may be bound to the surface simultaneously with no resultant interference in their respective bonding mechanisms. The surface of quartz is clearly bifunctional, and the ratio of sites is dependent on the degree of ionization of the silanol groups. Both bonding mechanisms are observed to be separate functionalities and must be taken into account to explain membrane activity. © 1981.