LPS-incubated WB and purified fibrinogen were prepared for SEM without added thrombin (LPS exposure concentration: 0.2 ng l−1). LPS-incubated PPP and purified fibrinogen samples were prepared as above, but with added thrombin to create an extensive fibrin fibre network (also with LPS exposure concentration: 0.2 ng l−1 before addition of thrombin).