Laser-Textured Grooves for Accelerated Endothelialization

University of Pittsburgh researchers have developed a novel laser surface texturing technology that fabricates defined micro grid patterns on endovascular metallic materials, such as Cobalt-Chromium (CoCr). This technology significantly enhances endothelial cell (EC) adhesion and proliferation, achieving up to a tenfold increase in EC proliferation with minimal cytotoxicity. This advancement offers improved performance for both bare-metal stents (BMS) and drug-eluting stents (DES), addressing issues like restenosis and poor endothelialization.

Description

Direct laser surface texturing technology was employed to create novel micro grid patterns on Cobalt-Chromium (CoCr) coupons, a common stent material. This technique modifies both surface structure and chemistry to favor endothelial cell (EC) adhesion and proliferation. Additionally, edge structuring was developed to further promote rapid EC proliferation, confirmed through various in vitro cell assays. This unique surface condition achieved significant improvements compared to existing BMS and DES, which suffer from restenosis and inhibited endothelialization post-drug release.

Applications

• Endovascular stents
• Cardiovascular implants
• Biomedical devices

Advantages

The laser-textured grooves on endovascular metallic materials offer several advantages, including up to a tenfold increase in endothelial cell proliferation with minimal cytotoxicity, enhanced performance for both bare-metal stents (BMS) and drug-eluting stents (DES), and reduced platelet aggregation, which improves overall biocompatibility and functionality. This technology has the potential to mitigate drawbacks of existing stent technologies, such as restenosis and poor endothelialization, making it a significant advancement in the field of cardiovascular implants and biomedical devices.

Invention Readiness

The technology has been validated through in vitro data and prototype performance. The laser-textured grooves have demonstrated significant improvements in endothelial cell proliferation and reduced platelet aggregation in various in vitro cell assays.

IP Status

Patent Pending