Nitric Oxide Releasing Coronary Stent: A New Approach Using Layer‐by‐Layer Coating and Liposomal Encapsulation

The sustained or controlled release of nitric oxide (NO) can be the most promising approach for the suppression or prevention of restenosis and thrombosis caused by stent implantation. The aim of this study is to investigate the feasibility in the potential use of layer‐by‐layer (LBL) coating with a NO donor‐containing liposomes to control the release rate of NO from a metallic stent. Microscopic observation and surface characterizations of LBL‐modified stents demonstrate successful LBL coating with liposomes on a stent. Release profiles of NO show that the release rate is sustained up to 5 d. In vitro cell study demonstrates that NO release significantly enhances endothelial cell proliferation, whereas it markedly inhibits smooth muscle cell proliferation. Finally, in vivo study conducted with a porcine coronary injury model proves the therapeutic efficacy of the NO‐releasing stents coated by liposomal LBL technique, supported by improved results in luminal healing, inflammation, and neointimal thickening except thrombo‐resistant effect. As a result, all these results demonstrate that highly optimized release rate and therapeutic dose of NO can be achieved by LBL coating and liposomal encapsulation, followed by significantly efficacious outcome in vivo.