Tailored Extracellular Matrix-Biomimetic Coating Favors Tissue Healing by Modulating the Microenvironment

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Cardiovascular Engineering

Background:

• Minimally invasive occluder implantation is key for congenital heart disease treatment.
• Current occluders suffer from poor endothelialization and tissue healing.
• There is a need for improved biomaterials to enhance occluder efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate an extracellular matrix (ECM)-biomimetic coating for cardiac occluders.
• To improve hemocompatibility, cell adhesion, and tissue integration of occluders.
• To address limitations in endothelialization and inflammatory responses associated with cardiac occluders.

Main Methods:

• Grafting recombinant humanized collagen type I (rhCol I) onto a polyethylene glycol linker (alkyne-PEG-silane) using click chemistry.
• In vitro testing of blood compatibility, endothelial cell growth, and cardiomyocyte function.
• In vivo subcutaneous and intravascular implantation studies to assess inflammation, endothelialization, and tissue repair.

Main Results:

• The coating demonstrated improved hemocompatibility and enhanced endothelial and cardiomyocyte function in vitro.
• In vivo studies showed reduced inflammation, accelerated endothelialization, and promoted tissue repair.
• The rhCol I coating effectively modulated inflammatory cell phenotype towards an anti-inflammatory state.

Conclusions:

• The developed ECM-biomimetic coating significantly enhances cardiac occluder performance.
• This strategy shows promise for improving clinical outcomes in congenital heart disease treatment.
• The coating represents a potential advancement in biomaterials for cardiovascular devices.