An Efficient Surface Modification Strategy Improving Endothelialization with Polydopamine Nanoparticles and REDV Peptides for Stent-Grafts

Stents or stent-grafts are often functionalized with films to enhance cell/surface interactions and improve endothelialization. However, continuous film coatings by common surface modification tactics may preclude cells from migrating along the thickness direction and may change the physical characteristics of stent-grafts. Here, polydopamine nanoparticles (PDA-NPs) are attached on braided stent-grafts tightly, forming a nanostructure on microfilaments. They also serve as the anchor for bioactive REDV peptide immobilization to promote endothelia cells (ECs) activities. The results show that braided stent-grafts decorated with PDA-NPs and REDV demonstrate an excellent endothelialization performance and hemocompatibility due to the micro/nanostructure formed and REDV affinity to ECs. The physical properties of stent-grafts are also not compromised. A potential surface modification strategy for scaffold applications is illustrated.