  An electrospun membrane for vascular stent coating made of
2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine and butyl methacrylate copolymer
(MPC-co-BMA), also known as (PMB), reinforced with functionalized and nitrogen
doped reduced graphene oxide (f-NrGO) is presented. This membrane due to the
nitrogen doped reduced graphene oxide (NrGO) negative electric charge has the
capacity to repeal low density lipoproteins (LDL), which under specific
conditions are the main cause of atherosclerotic disease. The NrGO
functionalization process is detailed, as it creates strong bonds between NrGO
and PMB, avoiding NrGO sheets to detach from the membrane. The copolymer
synthesis was characterized by FTIR and chemical bonds between f-NrGO and PMB
were proved by XPS and HNMR. Additionally, a simplified test bank that
simulates blood flow conditions demonstrated the NrGO functionalization effect
over the membrane. For the electrospinning process, optimal parameters were a
voltage of 14.5 kV, and a flow rate of 0.3 mL/h, which lead to better
properties of the membrane for the application. DMA results confirmed that the
best reinforcement percentage of f-NrGO in terms of mechanical properties was
0.1 wt% and AFM images indicated the presence of the f-NrGO sheets over the
fibers. Finally, the contact angle revealed the repulsion response to LDL, such
behavior is promising to applications like cardiovascular coated stents.
