Engineered endothelium-mimicking antithrombotic surfaces via combination of nitric oxide-generation with fibrinolysis strategies.

Abstract

Thrombosis associated with implants can severely impact therapeutic outcomes and lead to increased morbidity and mortality. Thus, developing blood-contacting materials with superior anticoagulant properties is essential to prevent and mitigate device-related thrombosis. Herein, we propose a novel single-molecule multi-functional strategy for creating blood-compatible surfaces. The synthesized azide-modified Cu-DOTA-(Lys)₃ molecule, which possesses both NO release and fibrinolysis functions, was immobilized on material surfaces via click chemistry. Due to the specificity, rapidity, and completeness of click chemistry, the firmly grafted Cu-DOTA-(Lys)₃ endows the modified material with excellent antithrombotic properties of vascular endothelium and thrombolytic properties of fibrinolytic system. This surface effectively prevented thrombus formation in both <i>in vitro</i> and <i>in vivo</i> experiments, owing to the synergistic effect of anticoagulation and thrombolysis. Moreover, the modified material maintained its functional efficacy after one month of PBS immersion, demonstrating excellent stability. Overall, this single-molecule multifunctional strategy may become a promising surface engineering technique for blood-contacting materials.