Zn ion-implanted absorbable Fe for improved cytocompatibility and mitigated neointimal hyperplasia

Abstract Ultrathin strut Fe-based scaffolds have made significant progress in the field of vascular interventional devices, but the issues of slow degradation and insufficient biocompatibility at the cell/material interface remain unresolved. This study prepared a functionalized surface on Fe by Zn ion implantation (Zn/Fe). Zn/Fe preferentially releases the antioxidant element Zn in the early degradation due to Zn–Fe galvanic coupling corrosion. It facilitates the adhesion and proliferation of endothelial cells and mitigates the risk of oxidative stress. The degradation rate of Zn/Fe was about 1.6 times that of Fe after 56 days of implantation in the common carotid artery of rats, with a 36.1% reduction in lumen loss rate, demonstrating favorable in vivo biocompatibility. These findings provide valuable insights for the development of novel functionalized Fe-based scaffold medical devices.