A multi-functional MgF₂/polydopamine/hyaluronan-astaxanthin coating on the biodegradable ZE21B alloy with better corrosion resistance and biocompatibility for cardiovascular application

The cardiovascular diseases (CVD) continue to be the major threat to global public health over the years, while one of the effective methods to treat CVD is stent intervention. Biomedical magnesium (Mg) alloys have great potential applications in cardiovascular stents benefit from their excellent biodegradability and absorbability. However, excessive degradation rate and the delayed surface endothelialization still limit their further application. In this study, we modified a Mg-Zn-Y-Nd alloy (ZE21B) by preparing MgF₂ as the corrosion resistance layer, the dopamine polymer film (PDA) as the bonding layer, and hyaluronic acid (HA) loaded astaxanthin (ASTA) as an important layer to directing the cardiovascular cells fate. The electrochemical test results showed that the MgF₂/PDA/HA-ASTA coating improved the corrosion resistance of ZE21B. The cytocompatibility experiments also demonstrated that this novel composite coating also selectively promoted endothelial cells proliferation, inhibited hyperproliferation of smooth muscle cells and adhesion of macrophages. Compared with the HA-loaded rapamycin (RAPA) coating, our MgF₂/PDA/HA-ASTA coating showed better blood compatibility and cytocompatibility, indicating stronger multi-functions for the ZE21B alloy on cardiovascular application.