Plasma-reinforced dual-crosslinked Pueraria hydrogel coating for synergistic atherosclerosis intervention

To address the clinical challenges of stent thrombosis and restenosis in atherosclerosis intervention, this study developed a dual-crosslinked hydrogel coating (PSMASH-integrating methacrylated Pueraria polysaccharide (PSMA) and thiolated derivative (PSSH) based on Pueraria lobata polysaccharide). We used an ion-assisted plasma polymerization (IAPP) technique to construct micro-nano structures and thiol-ene click reaction sites on the surface of 316L stainless steel stents. This approach enabled robust covalent integration between the coating and the substrate. Simultaneously, the dual-network architecture of the hydrogel coating (synergistic covalent and dynamic crosslinking) conferred enhanced mechanical stability and controlled degradation properties. PSMASH promoted endothelial cell recovery and modulated the pathological phenotype of smooth muscle cells under oxidative stress. This effect was mediated by the controlled release of Pueraria-derived flavonoids. This "herb-to-device" (HTD) strategy integrates traditional Chinese medicinal components with advanced interface engineering. It establishes a novel therapeutic platform for atherosclerosis intervention that offers superior mechanical compatibility and multi-target synergistic efficacy.