CIF Supports the Development of Novel Degradable Magnesium‑Alloy Stents: Research Achievements by Dr. Shanshan Chen’s Team at the Institute of Metal Research, CAS Published in *Biomaterials*

A recent publication in the prestigious international journal Biomaterials has highlighted an exciting research breakthrough. The research team led by Professor Chen Shanshan from the Institute of Metal Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, has successfully developed a high-performance chitosan-grafted copper ion (Cs&Cu) functional coating. This innovation systematically addresses the critical challenges of "excessive degradation rate" and "incomplete endothelialization" in magnesium alloy scaffolds.

Notably, during the crucial surface pretreatment stage of this study, the team utilized the CIF CPC–B-13.56 plasma cleaner to activate the scaffold substrates. This step laid a solid foundation for the robust adhesion and optimal functionality of the subsequent coating.

According to the detailed methodology in the paper, prior to spraying the Cs&Cu functional coating, the existing poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) inner protective coating required surface treatment. The samples were subjected to plasma treatment using a CIF CPC–B-13.56 plasma cleaner under an oxygen (O₂) atmosphere at a power of 60 W for a duration of 60 seconds.

This processing step is critical. The plasma treatment activated the PBAT coating surface, significantly enhancing its hydrophilicity and surface energy. This improvement allowed the subsequently sprayed chitosan-copper solution to better wet, spread, and firmly adhere to the scaffold surface, thereby facilitating the formation of a uniform, stable, and bioactive functional coating.

1. Rapid Endothelialization: In vitro experiments showed that the coating significantly promotes the adhesion, spreading, and proliferation of vascular endothelial cells, with healthy cell morphology forming a connected network. Remarkably, in a rabbit carotid artery implantation model, the scaffold surface was almost entirely covered by endothelial cells within just one week, achieving rapid endothelialization and buying precious time for vascular repair.
2. Effective Degradation Control: Three-month in vivo results revealed that the degradation rate of the scaffolds with the functional coating was significantly reduced by 50% compared to the control group. This means the scaffolds can provide more durable and safe mechanical support for diseased blood vessels, avoiding the risks associated with premature degradation.
3. Excellent Hemocompatibility: The coating exhibited an extremely low hemolysis rate and effectively reduced platelet adhesion and activation. By prolonging the coagulation time and demonstrating strong anticoagulant properties, it fundamentally reduces the risk of thrombosis.
4. Active Immune Microenvironment Regulation: The study found that the coating actively guides macrophages toward anti-inflammatory M2 polarization, alleviating post-implantation inflammatory responses. Furthermore, by precisely regulating the expression of endothelial function-related proteins (e.g., upregulating p-eNOS and downregulating FDPS), it effectively inhibits excessive intimal hyperplasia, providing a dual guarantee for long-term vascular patency.

This research is not only a triumph of materials technology but also a paradigm of interdisciplinary integration. Starting from clinical needs, Professor Chen Shanshan's team successfully endowed a simple metal implant with the "wisdom of life"—the ability to actively promote tissue regeneration and regulate physiological responses. This breakthrough not only advances the field of biodegradable metallic vascular stents but also highlights the critical role of precision plasma surface treatment technology in the R&D and manufacturing of biomedical devices. CIF's plasma cleaning equipment has once again empowered a research team to achieve groundbreaking progress with its stable performance and excellent results.