title: Mechanically Robust Plasma-Activated Interfaces Optimized for Vascular Stent Applications.
abstract: The long-term performance of many medical implants is limited by the use of inherently incompatible and bioinert materials. Metallic alloys, ceramics, and polymers commonly used in cardiovascular devices encourage clot formation and fail to promote the appropriate molecular signaling required for complete implant integration. Surface coating strategies have been proposed for these materials, but coronary stents are particularly problematic as the large surface deformations they experience in deployment require a mechanically robust coating interface. Here, we demonstrate a single-step ion-assisted plasma deposition process to tailor plasma-activated interfaces to meet current clinical demands for vascular implants. Using a process control-feedback strategy which predicts crucial coating growth mechanisms by adopting a suitable macroscopic plasma description in combination with noninvasive plasma diagnostics, we describe the optimal conditions to generate highly reproducible, industry-scalable stent coatings. These interfaces are mechanically robust, resisting delamination even upon plastic deformation of the underlying material, and were developed in consideration of the need for hemocompatibility and the capacity for biomolecule immobilization. Our optimized coating conditions combine the best mechanical properties with strong covalent attachment capacity and excellent blood compatibility in initial testing with plasma and whole blood, demonstrating the potential for improved vascular stent coatings.
authors.affiliation: Applied Materials Group, The Heart Research Institute , 7 Eliza Street, Newtown, New South Wales 2042, Australia.
authors.forename: Miguel
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Santos
authors.affiliation: Applied Materials Group, The Heart Research Institute , 7 Eliza Street, Newtown, New South Wales 2042, Australia.
authors.forename: Elysse C
authors.initials: EC
authors.lastname: Filipe
authors.affiliation: Applied Materials Group, The Heart Research Institute , 7 Eliza Street, Newtown, New South Wales 2042, Australia.
authors.forename: Praveesuda L
authors.initials: PL
authors.lastname: Michael
authors.affiliation: Applied Materials Group, The Heart Research Institute , 7 Eliza Street, Newtown, New South Wales 2042, Australia.
authors.forename: Juichien
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hung
authors.affiliation: Applied Materials Group, The Heart Research Institute , 7 Eliza Street, Newtown, New South Wales 2042, Australia.
authors.forename: Steven G
authors.initials: SG
authors.lastname: Wise
authors.forename: Marcela M M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Bilek
mesh_terms: D001807:Blood Vessel Prosthesis; D020099:Coated Materials, Biocompatible; D055119:Elastic Modulus; D004864:Equipment and Supplies; D005340:Fibrinogen / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008422:Materials Testing; D056951:Photoelectron Spectroscopy; D058626:Plasma Gases / Q000494:pharmacology*; D015607:Stents; D013499:Surface Properties
chemical_list: D020099:Coated Materials, Biocompatible; D058626:Plasma Gases; D005340:Fibrinogen
keywords: biomaterials; biomedical devices; covalent immobilization; functionalization; optical emission spectroscopy; plasma polymerization; stent; thrombosis