Introduction: The major complications of
stent implantation are restenosis and late
stent thrombosis.
PBMA polymers are used for
stent coating because of their mechanical properties. We previously synthesized and characterized Dextrangraft-polybutylmethacrylate copolymer (Dex-
PBMA) as a potential
stent coating. In this study, we evaluated the haemocompatibility and biocompatibility properties of Dex-
PBMA in vitro and in vivo. Methods: Here, we investigated: (1) the effectiveness of
polymer coating under physiological conditions and its ability to release Tacrolimus®, (2) the capacity of Dex-
PBMA to inhibit Staphylococcus aureus adhesion, (3) the
thrombin generation and the human platelet adhesion in static and dynamic conditions, (4) the biocompatibility properties in vitro on human endothelial colony forming cells ( ECFC) and on mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) and in vivo in rat models, and (5) we implanted Dex-
PBMA and Dex-PBMATAC coated
stents in neointimal
hyperplasia restenosis rabbit model. Results: Dex-
PBMA coating efficiently prevented bacterial adhesion and release Tacrolimus®. Dex-
PBMA exhibit haemocompatibility properties under flow and ECFC and MSC compatibility. In vivo, no pathological
foreign body reaction was observed neither after intramuscular nor intravascular aortic implantation. After Dex-
PBMA and Dex-PBMATAC coated
stents 30 days implantation in a restenosis rabbit model, an endothelial cell coverage was observed and the lumen patency was preserved. Conclusion: Based on our findings, Dex-
PBMA exhibited vascular compatibility and can potentially be used as a coating for metallic coronary
stents.