Enzyme-responsive hydrogel coating for in situ re-endothelialization of bioprosthetic heart valves.

BACKGROUND

Bioprosthetic heart valves (BHVs) replacement serves as a critical treatment for severe valvular heart disease. However, it often faces irreversible damage caused by thrombosis, inflammation, and calcification, severely limiting its therapeutic value for younger patients.

METHODS

Herein, we construct a biomimetic hydrogel coating loaded with cerium dioxide nanoparticles and vascular endothelial growth factor on the surface of BHVs material. This design aims to suppress material-induced thrombosis and inflammation, modulate the local microenvironment, achieve in situ re-endothelialization, and enhance the therapeutic potential of BHVs.

RESULTS

The findings demonstrate that the hydrogel coating improved the antithrombotic and anti-inflammatory properties of the BHVs material. Furthermore, in vivo implantation in a rat abdominal aorta model exhibited effective in situ re-endothelialization.

CONCLUSION

The hydrogel coating system developed in this study promoted in situ re-endothelialization of BHVs material and holds promise for extending its service lifespan. This work provides a strategy for enhancing the therapeutic potential of BHVs for younger patients.