A new dextran-graft-polybutylmethacrylate copolymer coated on 316L metallic stents enhances endothelial cell coverage.

Amphiphilic copolymers based on the copolymerization of hydrophilic and hydrophobic moieties offer versatility in various biomedical material applications. Here, a new biocompatible copolymer of dextran-graft-polybutylmethacrylate is synthesized for the coating of metallic endovascular stents. Coating of metallic surfaces is performed and analyzed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, contact angle measurement, atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy before and after deformation corresponding to stent deployment by a balloon catheter. In the conditions described here, the resulting coating is smooth and uniform with neither cracks nor detachment after stent expansion. Interestingly, surfaces coated with the copolymer greatly improve in vitro adhesion and growth of endothelial cells. This copolymer provides new opportunities for implanted biomaterials.