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

## TL;DR

This paper introduces a zinc-implanted iron scaffold that degrades faster and is safer for blood vessels, reducing risks of cell damage and improving healing.

## Contribution

Zn ion implantation on Fe scaffolds enhances degradation and biocompatibility through galvanic coupling and antioxidant effects.

## Key findings

- Zn/Fe degrades 1.6 times faster than pure Fe after 56 days in rat arteries.
- Zn/Fe reduces lumen loss by 36.1%, showing better in vivo biocompatibility.
- Zn/Fe promotes endothelial cell adhesion and reduces oxidative stress risks.

## 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.