Stepwise immobilization of keratin-dopamine conjugates and gold nanoparticles on PET sheets for potential vascular graft with the catalytic generation of nitric oxide

[Display omitted] •Pre-aminolyzed PET made polydopamine coating stronger.•Keratin-dopamine conjugates were prepared and immobilized by self-polymerization.•Gold nanoparticles(AuNPs) were immobilized in situ without extra reductant.•PET-AuNPs sheets could catalyze the generation of NO.•PET-AuNPs sheets could regulate the proliferation of vascular cells. Gold nanoparticles(AuNPs) are capable to catalyze the nitric oxide (NO) generation from endogenous and exogenous donors, thereby promoting re-endothelialization and inhibiting intimal hyperplasia and thrombosis. Herein, keratin-dopamine conjugates were synthesized and then immobilized on the surface of the pre-aminolyzed poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) via self-polymerization of dopamine residue, following by the formation of AuNPs in situ without extra reductant. The modified PET sheets(PET-AuNPs) could promote the growth of HUVECs while inhibit the proliferation of HUASMCs due to their catalytic generation of NO from GSNO. In addition, these sheets exhibited antibacterial properties and good blood compatibility without hemolysis. Taken together, this strategy for designing prosthetic vascular grafts to treat cardiovascular diseases has great potential.