Improved biocompatibility of thrombo-resistant iron-polysaccharides multilayer coatings on Nitinols

Biocompatibility of two multilayer coatings of (Fe3+/Hep)10 and (Fe3+/DS/Fe3+/Hep)5 was comparatively analyzed with respect to protein adsorption, leukocyte adhesion and cell–material interaction. Both of them showed significantly high albumin-to-fibrinogen adsorption ratio, suggesting good biocompatibility. Furthermore, the (Fe3+/DS/Fe3+/Hep)5 coating was found to exhibit the lowest non-specific protein adsorption due to the incorporation of dextran sulfate. Compared with uncoated Nitinol surfaces, iron-polysaccharide multilayer coating presented no deformation of leukocytes, indicating no signs of inflammatory reactions. Cell growth, cell adhesion and cell metabolic activity were all in good condition, verifying both (Fe3+/Hep)10 and (Fe3+/DS/Fe3+/Hep)5 coatings had good cytocompatibility. Therefore, iron-polysaccharides multilayer coatings had greatly improved the biocompatibility of Nitinols.