NO-Releasing Metal–Organic Framework-Based Composite Coatings with Heparin-Mimicking Copolymers on Titanium Substrates: Impact on Vascular Cell Behavior

Nitric oxide (NO), known for its anticoagulant and antiproliferative effects, holds great promise in anticoagulation therapy. Copper-based metal-organic frameworks, such as CuBTTri, catalyze NO formation, but their impact on vascular cells requires further study. In this work, polydopamine, polyethylenimine, and CuBTTri were codeposited on titanium substrates. To enhance cytocompatibility, heparin-mimicking copolymers were incorporated. By adjusting CuBTTri content, NO release rates and cytotoxicity toward vascular cells were regulated. The heparin-mimicking copolymers improved the cytocompatibility with human umbilical vein endothelial cells, while NO released from CuBTTri inhibited the proliferation of human umbilical vein smooth muscle cells. By integrating NO-releasing CuBTTri with heparin-mimicking copolymers, we successfully developed a composite coating that selectively modulates vascular cell behavior.