A Versatile Passivated Protein-Adsorption Platform for Rapid Healing of Vascular Stents by Modulating the Microenvironment

Biodegradable stents have paved the way to treat coronary artery disease. However, rapid reendothelialization is required to solve the problems of mismatched degradation rates, localized inflammation, and insufficient biocompatibility. Herein, a novel passivated protein-adsorption coating is synthesized by coordination chelation, oxidation, cross-linking, polymerization, and deposition of dopamine, (-)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), and copper ions (Cu2+) using two-electron oxidation. This coating exhibits hierarchical functionality, that is, at the macroscale, its superhydrophilicity conveys antifouling ability; whereas at the microscale, the active groups (quinone-, amino-, hydroxyphenyl groups and aromatic ring) facilitate protein adsorption. Antifouling ability prevents acute thrombosis and inflammation and maintains initial microenvironment stability post-implantation. The active groups facilitate gradual endothelial cells (ECs) adhesion. Meanwhile, the decomposition of nitric oxide (NO) donors to release NO is catalyzed by Cu2+, and EGCG alleviates or prevents oxidative stress damage, inflammatory responses, thrombosis formation, and excessive smooth muscle cells proliferation in the stent microenvironment. This provides favorable conditions for the rapid and healthy growth of ECs. This study proposes a novel strategy for rapid neointima formation comprising healthy ECs on the surfaces of biodegradable stents by depositing a passivated protein-adsorption coating (polydopamine/EGCG/Cu), opening new possibilities for the efficient treatment of coronary artery disease. A novel passivated protein-adsorption coating is synthesized by dopamine, EGCG and Cu2+. This coating exhibits multiscale effects: macroscopically: anti-fouling; microscopically: protein-promoting adhesion. The passivated protein-adsorption platform, EGCG and Cu2+ synergistic promote timely reendothelialization by regulating the lesion microenvironment. This kind of passivated protein-adsorption coating provide a versatile surface bioengineering strategy for a wide range of biomaterials and apparatus.image