A zwitterionic hydrogel coated titanium surface with high-efficiency endothelial cell selectivity for rapid...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Cardiovascular Research
• Surface Chemistry

Background:

• Coronary stent implantation is crucial for percutaneous coronary intervention but faces challenges like in-stent restenosis and late thrombus formation.
• Current stent coatings often struggle to balance biofouling resistance with promoting vascular healing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an anti-biofouling and endothelial cell-selective zwitterionic hydrogel coating for titanium surfaces.
• To enhance stent safety and efficacy by inhibiting restenosis and promoting rapid re-endothelialization.

Main Methods:

• Conjugation of the endothelial cell-selective peptide REDV onto a zwitterionic carboxybetaine (CB) hydrogel to create the REDV/CB coating.
• Evaluation of the coating's antifouling properties, including resistance to protein adsorption, bacterial adhesion, platelet activation, and smooth muscle cell proliferation.
• Co-culture studies to assess the coating's effect on endothelial cell and smooth muscle cell behavior.

Main Results:

• The REDV/CB hydrogel coating demonstrated significant antifouling properties, inhibiting protein adsorption, bacterial adhesion, platelet activation, and smooth muscle cell proliferation.
• The conjugated REDV peptide specifically captured endothelial cells, promoting their migration and proliferation.
• The coating effectively decreased smooth muscle cell adhesion and proliferation, crucial for preventing neointimal hyperplasia.

Conclusions:

• The developed REDV/CB coating offers a dual function: resisting biofouling and actively promoting endothelialization.
• This strategy presents a promising approach for creating advanced intravascular stents with improved long-term safety and efficacy.
• The coating effectively inhibits key factors contributing to stent failure, paving the way for clinical applications.