Development of a Highly Hydrophobic Micro/Nanostructured Nanocomposite Coating of PLA-PEG-Cloisite 20A Nanoclay with Excellent Hemocompatibility and Rapid Endothelialization Properties for Cardiovascular Applications

Despite the unique properties of clay nanocomposites for cardiovascular applications, there are few data on the hemocompatibility of these nanomaterials. This study represents the first comprehensive investigation of the hemo/biocompatibility of clay nanocomposites in vitro. Nanocomposite coatings of polylactic acid (PLA)-polyethylene glycol (3 wt %)-Cloisite20A nanoclay (3 wt %) were produced using electrospraying technique as potential drug-eluting stent (DES) coatings. Pristine PLA coating served as a control. The coatings ' different structural and biological properties were assessed, including surface morphology, topography, hydrophobicity, mechanics, and the interaction of nanocomposites with blood components, endothelial cells (EC), and bacteria. Findings indicated that all of the coatings were highly hydrophobic with microbead/nanofiber morphology and had antifouling properties. The absorption profiles of plasma proteins were similar for all groups, and nanocomposites did not trigger the coagulation cascade and complement activation. The nanocomposites did not increase hemolysis or platelet and leukocyte adhesion and activation. Interestingly, the nanocomposites exhibited the lowest levels of interleukin-6 production. Cellular experiments showed that the nanocomposites did not reduce ECs survival compared to the control group, and a continuous layer of ECs covered the nanocomposite surfaces after 4 days. These results demonstrate the exceptional hemo/biocompatibility of as-prepared clay nanocomposites as promising biomaterials for implants such as DESs.