Adhesion molecules-targeted membrane vesicle coatings restore vascular integrity in cardiovascular implants
Abstract
Cardiovascular implants are often limited by adverse interactions between synthetic surfaces and blood components, which hinder re-endothelialization and induce abnormal healing responses that lead to late restenosis. Adequate luminal protection requires a continuous, autologous endothelial layer that restores vascular health. Here, we present a surface modification strategy using macrophage-derived membrane vesicles functionalized with ligands targeting inflamed endothelial cell receptors. This biomimetic coating promotes ligand-receptor interactions at the implant interface, thereby accelerating endothelialization. Notably, the coated surface supports the coexistence of endothelial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells (vSMCs), suppressing their inflammatory transition to a synthetic phenotype. The vesicle-coated interface stabilizes endothelial monolayers by reducing NF-κB activation and regulating von Willebrand factor (vWF), ultimately maintaining VE-cadherin-mediated junction integrity under inflammatory conditions. This approach offers a clinically relevant strategy for enhancing the biocompatibility and functional integration of cardiovascular implants, warranting further validation on medical-grade metals and in vivo models.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Polymer Surface Interaction Studies
Extracellular vesicles in disease
Mechanical Circulatory Support Devices
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Materials Today Advances
- Publisher
- Elsevier BV
- Volume
- 31
- Pages
- 100901–100901
- Publication date
- 30 July 2026
- Language
- EN