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Fully Synthetic, Biomimicking Polysulfates With Tunable Anticoagulant and Endothelial Cell-Selective Bioactivity
Andrea Cosimi1,2, Roxana Pollehn1, Andrea De Martino1
1Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry - Organic Chemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
Macromolecular Bioscience
|June 7, 2026
Summary
Synthetic sulfated polymer coatings mimic natural glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), showing anticoagulant activity and selective endothelial cell proliferation. These biomaterials offer a platform for studying cell interactions and promoting vascular healing.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Natural glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) play crucial roles in biological processes, but their complexity hinders mechanistic studies.
- Synthetic biomaterials are needed to mimic GAG functions for controlled biological interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop synthetic polyelectrolyte brush coatings inspired by GAGs.
- To investigate the effects of sulfation degree and polymer molecular weight on anticoagulant activity and cellular responses.
- To evaluate the potential of these coatings for promoting reendothelialization and preventing vascular complications.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of sulfated poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA) block copolymer brushes via controlled self-assembly and photoimmobilization.
- Characterization of brush coatings, including sulfation degree and molecular weight.
- Assessment of anticoagulant activity by measuring plasma coagulation times.
- In vitro cell culture studies using human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and smooth muscle cells (SMCs) under various conditions.
- Evaluation of growth factor (VEGF, bFGF) bioactivity and preservation.
Main Results:
- Sulfation above 70% imparted significant anticoagulant activity.
- Nanometer-thin brushes were successfully fabricated and photoimmobilized on polystyrene substrates.
- Endothelial cell proliferation was selective, favoring longer polymer chains (65 kDa) over shorter ones (15 kDa) under serum-free conditions.
- Coatings preserved VEGF bioactivity more effectively with longer chains.
- Co-culture studies demonstrated stable HUVEC/SMC ratios, preventing smooth muscle cell overgrowth and promoting vascular co-culture.
Conclusions:
- Synthetic polysulfate brushes effectively mimic key electrostatic features of GAGs.
- These coatings offer a versatile platform for studying GAG-mimetic interactions and vascular cell behavior at biomaterial interfaces.
- The developed system shows potential for promoting reendothelialization and preventing neointimal hyperplasia in vitro.
