Surface modification with hydrophilic and heparin-loaded coating for endothelialization and anticoagulation promotion of vascular scaffold

Surface modifications are common approaches to promote endothelialization and resist thrombus, therefore obtaining long-term patency of vascular grafts. Herein, we developed a functional coating based on hyaluronic acid (HA), dopamine (DA), and heparin. In the present study, dopamine was firstly grafted to the HA molecules. The DA-grafted HA material was then applied to the surface of fibrous PCL scaffold via oxidation polymerization. Heparin was directly loaded during the coating, instead of grafting. The composite coating enhanced the surface hydrophilicity of PCL scaffold, as well as the mechanical properties. Notably, the coated scaffold could promote EC proliferation and angiogenesis behavior via the upregulation of CD31 gene expression regardless of heparin addition. It also showed more effective inhibition of platelet adhesion and blood clotting in vitro. These results lead us to the conclusion that this functional coating is great potential in treating cardiovascular diseases in terms of promoting endothelialization, reducing thrombus, and maintaining the long-term patency of vascular grafts.