A Heparin-Mimic Macromolecule Promoted Endothelial Cell Adhesion

Vascular restenosis, a significant complication after stent implantation, originates from the migration of vascular smooth muscle cells to the intima and the excessive extracellular matrix deposition, resulting in intimal hyperplasia. Thus, enhancing endothelial cell adhesion and reducing smooth muscle cell adhesion capacity are crucial to address this issue. Heparin, a naturally derived glycosaminoglycan, exhibits excellent anticoagulant activity and endothelial cell promoting effects, yet its clinical utility is constrained by bleeding risks, supply instability, immunogenicity, and demanding storage conditions. In this study, sulfonated carboxymethyl chitosan (SCCS) is employed as a heparin-mimicking polymer, immobilized on a glass substrate via dopamine-mediated adhesion. Compared with carboxymethyl chitosan, the SCCS-coated substrate significantly promotes endothelial cell adhesion while effectively inhibiting smooth muscle cell attachment. Additionally, the whole blood cell analysis and complement activation results exhibit that the SCCS coating has excellent blood compatibility. These findings suggest that the SCCS coating has the potential to be applied on various vascular stents to prevent restenosis, offering a nobel strategy for improving vascular interventional therapy.