Polydopamine-Cu(II) Ions Functional Coatings on Zinc Wire: Surface Characterization and Degradation Behavior

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

7-8-2026

Abstract

Bioactive surface modification of degradable zinc (Zn) vascular implants is essential for controlling biodegradation and supporting vascular healing. Here, we describe the fabrication of polydopamine coating (PDA-Cu) containing up to ∼0.8 wt % Cu ions on Zn substrates using an immersion-assisted mussel-inspired polymerization strategy. The coating is composed of densely packed PDA-Cu nanospheres with diameters of ∼130-170 nm, exhibiting an even distribution of Cu ions within the PDA matrix via Cu-catechol coordination. Thirty-day leaching tests confirmed a steady release of 0.01-0.04 ppm of Cu ions per 5 days from Zn/PDA-Cu samples in Hank's balanced salt solution (HBSS). In vitro nitric oxide (NO) assay demonstrated enhanced catalytic NO generation in 1 mM SNAP (S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine) solution. Additionally, the PDA-Cu coating reduced the Zn corrosion rate from ∼0.8 mm/year to ∼0.4 mm/year and increased its corrosion resistance in HBSS.

Publication Title

ACS materials Au

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