Chelating Cu 2+ on the Surface of Bacterial Cellulose for Improved Endothelialization and Anticoagulation

ABSTRACT Bacterial cellulose (BC) is a promising polymeric nanofibrous matrix material for heart valve prostheses. However, its endothelialization and anticoagulation properties remain suboptimal. To overcome these limitations, herein, Cu 2+ @BC composites (Cu 2+ @BC‐1~4) were fabricated by immobilizing Cu 2+ on BC surfaces via polydopamine (PDA) self‐polymerization and metal ion chelation. Results showed that immobilized Cu 2+ on BC could stably catalyze sustained NO release from endogenous donors, with Cu 2+ @BC‐3 maintaining NO release within a physiological range for up to 70 days. In the presence of endogenous NO donors, all Cu 2+ @BC samples exhibited significantly improved anticoagulation, including reduced hemolysis, decreased platelet adhesion, and prolonged clotting times. Moreover, NO release remarkably promoted the adhesion, proliferation, and migration of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), with Cu 2+ @BC‐3 showing the optimal endothelialization effect. This study demonstrates that Cu 2+ chelation modification endows BC with excellent anticoagulant and endothelialization properties, making Cu 2+ @BC a potential candidate matrix material for heart valve replacement.