Endothelial and smooth muscle cell interaction with hydrothermally treated titanium surfaces

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Engineering
• Cardiovascular Research
• Surface Science

Background:

• Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), particularly coronary artery disease (CAD), are the leading global cause of mortality.
• Current treatments like coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) and percutaneous heart intervention (PCI) have limitations.
• Existing stents, including bare metal stents (BMS) and drug-eluting stents (DES), face challenges like restenosis and late thrombosis, respectively.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop advanced stent surface engineering strategies for improved hemocompatibility in treating CAD.
• To create a titanium stent surface that selectively promotes endothelialization while preventing restenosis.
• To engineer a surface that enhances the biocompatibility of cardiovascular implants.

Main Methods:

• Hydrothermal treatment was employed to modify titanium surfaces using either sodium hydroxide or sulfuric acid.
• Characterization of the modified titanium surfaces to analyze their morphology and properties.
• In vitro assessment of cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation on the treated surfaces.

Main Results:

• Titanium surfaces treated with sulfuric acid exhibited a distinct micro-nano-surface morphology.
• This specific surface morphology selectively promoted the adhesion and differentiation of endothelial cells.
• The sulfuric acid-treated titanium surface effectively prevented the adhesion and proliferation of smooth muscle cells.

Conclusions:

• Hydrothermal treatment, particularly with sulfuric acid, can create advanced titanium stent surfaces.
• The engineered micro-nano-surface demonstrates selective cell response, crucial for preventing restenosis and promoting healing.
• This approach offers a promising strategy for developing next-generation cardiovascular stents with enhanced hemocompatibility.