| Description |
Biomaterials that remain in prolonged contact with blood, such as vascular prostheses and stents, frequently trigger inflammatory responses leading to activation of the coagulation cascade, thrombus formation, and eventual graft failure. To address this challenge, a coating strategy has been devised that both suppresses coagulation and the immune response while promoting the spontaneous formation of an endothelial cell layer. This approach involves depositing a fibrin network on the prosthetic surface and subsequently modifying it with bioactive molecules, including heparin, growth factors, and peptides engineered to enhance endothelial cell adhesion. Heparin is intended to inhibit the coagulation cascade immediately upon implantation, whereas the growth factors and peptides facilitate endothelialization of the prosthetic surface. The research is conducted in collaboration with biologists and physicians at the Biotechnology and Biomedical Center of the Academy of Sciences and Charles University (BIOCEV), ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of both the biological and clinical aspects of the novel coating. This interdisciplinary effort aims to improve the long-term functionality of vascular implants and reduce the incidence of acute and long-term graft-related complications. |
