Bringing pathology to nanomedicine: a comparison of in vivo toxicity of polymeric nanoparticle carriers with and without chitosan coating.

Over the last years, there has been an increasing number of proposals for the use of nanomaterials in medicine. The safety of novel technologies must be verified, prior to their clinical application. Pathology has much to contribute towards this end. In this study, we compared the in vivo toxicity effects of poly- (lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles with and without chitosan shell. Both nanoparticle types were loaded with curcumin. The nanoparticles were assessed in vitro for potential cytotoxicity with cell viability studies. For the in vivo test, 36 adult Wistar rats were used, four of which were the control group. The remaining 32 were divided into 2 groups, each of which was administered differentially coated drug carriers: (A) nanoparticles without chitosan coating and (B) nanoparticles with chitosan coating. For both groups, the subcutaneous route was used for administration. Each group was further divided into 2 sub-groups of 8 animals each. The animals of the first sub-groups were sacrificed 24 h after the injection and those of the second on the 7th day. The control group was also divided into 2 subgroups of 2 animals each. At the appointed post-administrative date, the rats were sacrificed, and specimens from the brain, liver, kidneys, heart, stomach, lungs, and from the skin at the injection site were collected and studied histopathologically. The evaluation of both in vitro and in vivo testing shows that nanoparticles with chitosan have significantly less, if any, toxic effects compared to those without chitosan.

A Comparative Study between Blended Polymers and Copolymers as Emitting Layers for Single-Layer White Organic Light-Emitting Diodes.

Extensive research has been dedicated to the solution-processable white organic light-emitting diodes (WOLEDs), which can potentially influence future solid-state lighting and full-color flat-panel displays. The proposed strategy based on WOLEDs involves blending two or more emitting polymers or copolymerizing two or more emitting chromophores with different doping concentrations to produce white light emission from a single layer. Toward this direction, the development of blends was conducted using commercial blue poly(9,9-di-n-octylfluorenyl2,7-diyl) (PFO), green poly(9,9-dioctylfluorenealt-benzothiadiazole) (F8BT), and red spiro-copolymer (SPR) light-emitting materials, whereas the synthesized copolymers were based on different chromophores, namely distyryllanthracene, distyrylcarbazole, and distyrylbenzothiadiazole, as yellow, blue, and orange-red emitters, respectively. A comparative study between the two approaches was carried out to examine the main challenge for these doping systems, which is ensuring the proper balance of emissions from all the units to span the entire visible range. The emission characteristics of fabricated WOLEDs will be explored in terms of controlling the emission from each emitter, which depends on two possible mechanisms: energy transfer and carrier trapping. The aim of this work is to achieve pure white emission through the color mixing from different emitters based on different doping concentrations, as well as color stability during the device operation. According to these aspects, the WOLED devices based on the copolymers of two chromophores exhibit the most encouraging results regarding white color emission coordinates (0.28, 0.31) with a CRI value of 82.

On-the-Fly Short-Pulse R2R Laser Patterning Processes for the Manufacturing of Fully Printed Semitransparent Organic Photovoltaics.

Ultrafast laser patterning is an essential technology for the low-cost and large area production of flexible Organic Electronic (OE) devices, such as Organic Photovoltaics (OPVs). In order to unleash the potential of ultrafast laser processing to perform the selective and high precision removal of complex multilayers from printed OPV stacks without affecting the underlying nanolayers, it is necessary to optimize its parameters for each nanolayer combination. In this work, we developed an efficient on-the-fly picosecond (ps) laser scribing process (P1, P2 and P3) using single wavelength and single step/pass for the precise and reliable in-line patterning of Roll-to-Roll (R2R) slot-die-coated nanolayers. We have investigated the effect of the key process parameters (pulse energy and overlap) on the patterning quality to obtain high selectivity on the ablation of each individual nanolayer. Finally, we present the implementation of the ultrafast laser patterning process in the manufacturing of fully R2R printed flexible semitransparent OPV modules with a 3.4% power conversion efficiency and 91% Geometric Fill Factor (GFF).

Influence of Dopant Concentration and Annealing on Binary and Ternary Polymer Blends for Active Materials in OLEDs.

Obtaining white light from organic LEDs is a considerable challenge and, to realize white light emission, many studies have been conducted, primarily addressing two- or three-color blend systems as a promising strategy. In this work, pristine films, grown by spin coating, consisting of commercial blue Poly(9,9-di-n-octylfluorenyl-2,7-diyl) (PFO), green Poly(9,9-dioctylfluorene-alt-benzothiadiazole) (F8BT), and red spiro-copolymer (SPR) light-emitting materials, were studied as reference materials. Afterward, binary (SPR doped in host PFO) and ternary (SPR and F8BT doped in host PFO) thin films were successfully prepared with various ratios. The characterization of the as-grown and thermally-treated blend films was focused on their optical and photophysical properties. After, the fabrication of OLED devices on glass substrates was carried out for the evaluation of a blend's composition and annealing in terms of the devices' electrical characteristics and electro-emission properties in order to achieve white light emission. Their analysis provided insights into the energy transfer mechanisms between the constituent materials, which were correlated to host-guest interactions as well as to the structural changes originated by thermal treatment, leading to the crystallization of PFO. Finally, the OLEDs based on ternary blends approach the white light emission with (x, y) of (0.272, 0.346). These fabricated devices also exhibit turn-on voltages as low as 3 V, accompanied by remarkable luminance values above 3000 cd/m2.

Photophysical and Electro-Optical Properties of Copolymers Bearing Blue and Red Chromophores for Single-Layer White OLEDs.

In this study, novel copolymers consisting of blue and red chromophores are presented to induce emission tuning, enabling the definition of white light emission in a single polymeric layer. These aromatic polyether sulfones exhibit high molecular weights, excellent solubility and processability via solution deposition techniques. In addition, by carefully controlling the molar ratios of chromophores composition, the energy transfer mechanism, from blue to red chromophores, takes place enabling us to define properly the emission covering the entire range of the visible spectrum. The optical and photophysical properties of the monomers and copolymers were thoroughly investigated via NIR-Vis-far UV Spectroscopic Ellipsometry (SE), Absorbance and Photoluminescence (PL). These copolymers are used as an emissive layer and applied in solution-processed WOLED devices. The fabricated WOLED devices have been subsequently studied and characterized in terms of their electroluminescence properties. Finally, the WOLED devices possess high color stability and demonstrate CIE Coordinates (0.33, 0.38), which approach closely the pure white light CIE coordinates.

Morphological Characteristics of Drug-Eluting Biodegradable Polymeric Thin Films Developed on the Surface of Intraocular Lenses by Three Techniques: A Comparative Study.

Background Cataract surgery is a very popular operation that requires a postoperative period of frequent instillation of antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops. Modified drug-eluting intraocular lenses (IOLs) may eliminate the need for eye drops after surgery. Aim The purpose of this study is to compare the morphological characteristics of dexamethasone eluting biodegradable polymeric thin films developed on the surface of commercially available IOLs by three different methods. Method This experimental study was conducted between May and August of 2021 in the Lab for Thin Films - Nanobiomaterials - Nanosystems & Nanometrology (LTFN) of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. A mixture of two organic polymers [Poly (D, L-lactide-co-glycolide)(PLGA), lactide: glycolide (75:25) and Polycaprolactone (PCL)] and dexamethasone was prepared and then deposited on the surface of three-piece IOLs by spin coating, by spray coating, and by gravure printing. The modified IOLs were sterilized with the use of ultraviolet (UV) radiation and plasma treatment. Their structural properties were studied with the use of atomic force microscopy (AFM). Results Spin coating and gravure printing produced uniform thin films on the surface of the IOLs which were not damaged during the sterilization process. Spray coating led to the partial coating of the surface of the IOLs; the thin films underwent alterations following plasma treatment. Conclusions Thin films developed by spin coating and gravure printing on IOLs demonstrate the desired morphological characteristics that make them suitable candidates for further research.

Design, characterisation and drug release study of polymeric, drug-eluting single layer thin films on the surface of intraocular lenses.

To design, develop and study a novel drug delivery system for intraocular applications. The spin coating technique was applied to develop a polymeric, drug-eluting thin film consisting of a blend of organic polymers [poly (D, L lactide coglycolide) lactide: glycolide 75: 25, PLGA and polycaprolactone, PCL] and dexamethasone on the surface of intraocular lenses (IOLs). The initial durability of the IOLs during spinning was assessed. Information about the structural and optical properties of the modified IOLs was extracted using atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and spectroscopic ellipsometry. A drug release study was conducted for 8 weeks. The IOLs were durable in spinning speeds higher than the ones used to develop thin films. Single-layer thin films were successfully developed on the optics and the haptics of the lenses. The films formed nanopores with encapsulated aggregates of dexamethasone. The spectroscopic ellipsometry showed an acceptable optical transparency of the lenses regardless of the deposition of the drug-eluting films on their surface. The drug release study demonstrated gradual dexamethasone release over the selected period. In conclusion, the novel drug-eluting IOL system exhibited desired properties regarding its transparency and drug release rate. Further research is necessary to assess their suitability as an intraocular drug delivery system.

Biomimetic and biodegradable cellulose acetate scaffolds loaded with dexamethasone for bone implants.

There is, as a matter of fact, an ever increasing number of patients requiring total hip replacement (Pabinger, C.; Geissler, A. Osteoarthritis Cartilage2014,22, 734-741). Implant-associated acute inflammations after an invasive orthopedic surgery are one of the major causes of implant failure. In addition, there are instability, aseptic loosening, infection, metallosis and fracture (Melvin, J. S.; Karthikeyan, T.; Cope, R.; Fehring, T. K. J. Arthroplasty2014,29, 1285-1288). In this work, a drug-delivery nanoplatform system consisting of polymeric celluloce acetate (CA) scaffolds loaded with dexamethasone was fabricated through electrospinning. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) indicated the successful fabrication of these structures. Cytotoxicity studies were performed by using MTT assay, methylene-blue staining and SEM fixation and showed very good cell adhesion and proliferation, indicating the cytocompatibility of these fibrous scaffolds. Drug-release kinetics was measured for the evaluation of a controllable and sustained release of anti-inflammatory drug onto the engineered implants and degradation study was conducted in order to assess the mass loss of polymers. This drug-delivery nanoplatform as coating on titanium implants may be a promising approach not only to alleviate but also to prevent implant-associated acute inflammations along with a simultaneous controlled release of the drug.

Design and fabrication of drug-eluting polymeric thin films for applications in ophthalmology.

To study the development, characterisation, and drug release of one- and two-layered thin films based on organic polymers [poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) lactide:glycolide (65:35), poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) lactide:glycolide (75:25), and polycaprolactone] and dexamethasone. To examine their applicability for intraocular lenses (IOLs) and function in intraocular drug delivery systems. Four series of thin films, single and double-layer, were prepared by the spin-coating method on a silicon substrate. The films were studied using atomic force microscopy and spectroscopic ellipsometry. The release rate of dexamethasone was studied for a period of ten weeks. Series A and C demonstrated the formation of large dexamethasone aggregates. The monolayer films of series C and D formed pores, in agreement with previous findings. The spectroscopic ellipsometry study demonstrated that the samples were transparent. The drug release study demonstrated that dexamethasone was released during the first 6 weeks at a desirable rate. The films exhibited properties suitable for use in intraocular drug delivery systems. The single-layer thin films demonstrated a sufficient encapsulation of dexamethasone and appropriate release of the therapeutic substance. Further studies are necessary to investigate the possibility of developing the films directly on the surface of the IOL.

Surface modification of endovascular stents with rosuvastatin and heparin-loaded biodegradable nanofibers by electrospinning.

This study describes the development of drug-loaded nanofibrous scaffolds as a nanocoating for endovascular stents for the local and sustained delivery of rosuvastatin (Ros) and heparin (Hep) to injured artery walls after endovascular procedures via the electrospinning process. PURPOSE: The proposed hybrid covered stents can promote re-endothelialization; improve endothelial function; reduce inflammatory reaction; inhibit neointimal hyperplasia of the injured artery wall, due to well-known pleiotropic actions of Ros; and prevent adverse events such as in-stent restenosis (ISR) and stent thrombosis (ST), through the antithrombotic action of Hep. METHODS: Biodegradable nanofibers were prepared by dissolving cellulose acetate (AC) and Ros in N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMAc) and acetone-based solvents. The polymeric solution was electrospun (e-spun) into drug-loaded AC nanofibers onto three different commercially available stents (Co-Cr stent, Ni-Ti stent, and stainless steel stent), resulting in nonwoven matrices of submicron-sized fibers. Accordingly, Hep solution was further used for fibrous coating onto the engineered Ros-loaded stent. The functional encapsulation of Ros and Hep drugs into polymeric scaffolds further underwent physicochemical analysis. Morphological characterization took place via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) analyses, while scaffolds' wettability properties were obtained by contact angle (CA) measurements. RESULTS: The morphology of the drug-loaded AC nanofibers was smooth, with an average diameter of 200-800 nm, and after CA measurement, we concluded to the superhydrophobic nature of the engineered scaffolds. In vitro release rates of the pharmaceutical drugs were determined using a high-performance liquid chromatography assay, which showed that after the initial burst, drug release was controlled slowly by the degradation of the polymeric materials. CONCLUSION: These results imply that AC nanofibers encapsulated with Ros and Hep drugs have great potential in the development of endovascular grafts with anti-thrombogenic properties that can accelerate the re-endothelialization, reduce the neointimal hyperplasia and inflammatory reaction, and improve the endothelial function.

Insights on the Optical Properties of Poly(3,4-Ethylenedioxythiophene):Poly(styrenesulfonate) Formulations by Optical Metrology.

Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) is among the most widely used polymers that are used as printed transparent electrodes for flexible Organic Electronic (OE) devices, such as Organic Photovoltaics (OPVs). The understanding of their optical properties and the correlation of the optical properties with their electronic properties and metallic-like behavior can lead to the optimization of their functionality as transparent electrodes in multilayer OE device architectures. In this work, we study the optical properties of different PEDOT:PSS formulations by non-destructive Spectroscopic Ellipsometry (SE), from the infrared to the far ultraviolet spectral regions. The optical response of PEDOT:PSS includes an intense optical absorption originated from the conductive part (PEDOT) at lower photon energies, whereas the electronic transition energies of the non-conductive PSS part have been measured at higher photon energies. Based on the different PEDOT:PSS formulations, the optical investigation revealed significant information on the relative contribution of conductive PEDOT and insulating PSS parts of the PEDOT:PSS formulation in the overall optical response, which can strongly impact the final device functionality and its optical transparency.

The melding of nanomedicine in thrombosis imaging and treatment: a review.

Thromboembolic diseases constitute a plague in our century, wherein an imbalance of hemostasis leads to thrombus formation and vessels constriction reducing blood flow. Hence, the recent rise of nanomedicine gives birth to advanced diagnostic modalities and therapeutic agents for the early diagnosis and treatment of such diseases. Multimodal nanoagents for the detection of intravascular thrombi and nanovehicles for thrombus-targeted fibrinolytic therapy are few paradigms of nanomedicine approaches to overcome current diagnostic treatment roadblocks and persistent clinical needs. This review highlights the nanomedicine strategies to improve the imaging and therapy of acute thrombi by nanoparticles and nanotheranostics, the detailed imaging of thrombogenic proteins and platelets via atomic force microscopy with the knowledge basis of thrombosis pathophysiology and nanotoxicity.

Theoretical Considerations and a Mathematical Model for the Analysis of the Biomechanical Response of Human Keratinized Oral Mucosa.

Removable complete and partial dentures are supported by the residual alveolar ridges consisting of mucosa, submucosa, periosteum, and bone. An understanding of the biomechanical behavior of the oral mucosa is essential in order to improve the denture-bearing foundations for complete and partially edentulous patients. The purpose of this paper was to examine the biomechanical behavior of the soft tissues supporting a removable denture and develop a model for that reason. Keratinized oral mucosa blocks with their underlying bone were harvested from the maxillary palatal area adjacent to the edentulous ridges of a cadaver. The compressive response of the oral mucosa was tested by using atomic force microscopy. The specimens were first scanned in order their topography to be obtained. The mechanical properties of the specimens were tested using a single crystal silicon pyramidal tip, which traversed toward the keratinized oral mucosa specimens. Loading-unloading cycles were registered and four mathematical models were tested using MATLAB to note which one approximates the force-displacement curve as close as possible: a. spherical, b. conical, c. third order polynomial, d. Murphy (fourth order polynomial, non-linear Hertzian based). The third order polynomial model showed the best accuracy in representing the force-displacement data of the tested specimens. A model was developed in order to analyze the biomechanical behavior of the human oral keratinized mucosa and obtain information about its mechanical properties.

Nanomedicine for Atherosclerosis: Molecular Imaging and Treatment.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and the underlying process of atherosclerosis are considered to be the most frequent causes of mortality and morbidity in developed societies. Atherosclerosis constitutes a systemic, chronic and progressive inflammatory disease that is initiated by early endothelial dysfunction and is subsequently amplified by oxidative stress, lipid deposition and monocyte recruitment. An interplay occurs among diverse cells, chemoattractants, adhesion molecules and low-density lipoproteins in the subendothelium. Due to the complexity of its pathogenesis, effective therapeutic strategies have not yet been applied in routine clinical practice. With the advent of nanotechnology, nanoparticulate systems with diagnostic and therapeutic moieties for the site-specific targeting of atherosclerotic lesions as well as nanomaterials that are suitable for cardiovascular implants may offer possible solutions to certain shortfalls of current treatment regimens. This article describes the recent advances that involve different types of nanoparticles for the early detection and concurrent therapy of atherosclerotic lesions. Moreover, it provides a state-of-the-art overview of stent technology in the restoration of normal blood flow to ischemic myocardial sites and underscores its drawbacks in light of substantial nanotechnology-based improvements. Emphasis is placed on the contribution of nanomedicine to the development of novel and effective therapies for atherosclerosis, ranging from 'nanotheranostic' strategies for vulnerable plaques to the nanoporous and nanoparticulate drug-delivery platforms that have been applied to stent technology. By striking a balance between the efficacy and the potential toxicity of nanotechnology-enabled systems, new frontiers in atherosclerosis treatment will emerge.

Electrospray-processed soluble acenes toward the realization of high-performance field-effect transistors.

Functionalized acenes have proven to be promising compounds in the field of molecular electronics because of their unique features in terms of the stability, performance, and ease of processing. The emerging concept of large-area-compatible techniques for flexible electronics has brought about a wide variety of well-established techniques for the deposition of soluble acenes, with spray-coating representing an especially fruitful approach. In the present study, electrostatic spray deposition is proposed as an alternative to the conventional spray-coating processes, toward the realization of high-performance organic field-effect transistors (OFETs), on both rigid and flexible substrates. Particularly, a thorough study on the effect of the solvent and spraying regime on the resulting crystalline film's morphology is performed. By optimization of the process conditions in terms of control over the size as well as the crystallization scheme of the droplets, desirable morphological features along with high-quality crystal domains are obtained. The fabricated OFETs exhibit excellent electrical characteristics, with high field-effect mobility up to 0.78 cm(2)/(V s), I(on)/I(off) >10(4), and near-zero threshold voltages. Additionally, the good performance of the OFETs realized on plastic substrates gives great potentiality to the proposed method for applications in the challenging field of large-area electronics.

Oxygen-plasma-modified biomimetic nanofibrous scaffolds for enhanced compatibility of cardiovascular implants.

Electrospun nanofibrous scaffolds have been extensively used in several biomedical applications for tissue engineering due to their morphological resemblance to the extracellular matrix (ECM). Especially, there is a need for the cardiovascular implants to exhibit a nanostructured surface that mimics the native endothelium in order to promote endothelialization and to reduce the complications of thrombosis and implant failure. Thus, we herein fabricated poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL) electrospun nanofibrous scaffolds, to serve as coatings for cardiovascular implants and guide tissue regeneration. Oxygen plasma treatment was applied in order to modify the surface chemistry of the scaffold and its effect on cell attachment and growth was evaluated. The conditions of the surface modification were properly adjusted in order to define those conditions of the treatment that result in surfaces favorable for cell growth, while maintaining morphological integrity and mechanical behavior. Goniometry (contact angle measurements), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) measurements were used to evaluate the morphological and chemical changes induced by the plasma treatment. Moreover, depth-sensing nanoindentation was performed to study the resistance of the plasma-treated scaffolds to plastic deformation. Lastly, the cell studies indicated that all scaffolds were cytocompatible, with the plasma-treated ones expressing a more pronounced cell viability and adhesion. All the above findings demonstrate the great potential of these biomimetic tissue-engineering constructs as efficient coatings for enhanced compatibility of cardiovascular implants.

Impurity-related effects in poly(3-hexylthiophene) crystals.

The performance of organic electronic devices often shows a strong dependence on the presence of impurities, for example oxygen and water molecules. Here we use first-principles calculations to examine oxygen- and water-related effects in poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT), one of the most widely used donors in organic photovoltaics. We find that oxygen species may be stabilized in P3HT crystals in several different impurity configurations, including physisorbed and chemisorbed geometries. We also find that a number of these structures gives rise to levels inside the P3HT band gap and can thus act as carrier traps. In contrast, water molecules remain physisorbed between the polymer chains and induce only minimal changes in the electronic properties of the host system. The results are in agreement with pertinent experiments and elucidate the atomic-scale details of oxygen-related degradation of P3HT-based devices.

Measurements of elastic modulus for human anterior lens capsule with atomic force microscopy: the effect of loading force.

The purpose of the study was to appraise the effect of loading force magnitude on the determination of the elastic modulus of the anterior lens capsule through atomic force microscopy. Four human anterior lens capsules taken during phacoemulsification cataract surgery were studied, free of epithelial cells, with atomic force microscopy. For the experiment, five different indentation loading forces were applied to near areas of the specimen. Experimental data was exported and analyzed according to the Hertz model to obtain the Young's modulus with regards to the elastic behavior of the material. Force-distance curves were acquired by applying a load of 2, 5, 10, 20 and 30 nN. When examining the results it was evident that determination of Young's modulus of the anterior lens capsule is dependent on the loading force concerning the examined range. Loading forces of 10 and 20 nN led to results without significant difference (p > 0.05) and more reproducible (coefficients of variation 12.4 and 11.7 %, respectively).

Novel nanostructured biomaterials: implications for coronary stent thrombosis.

BACKGROUND: Nanomedicine has the potential to revolutionize medicine and help clinicians to treat cardiovascular disease through the improvement of stents. Advanced nanomaterials and tools for monitoring cell-material interactions will aid in inhibiting stent thrombosis. Although titanium boron nitride (TiBN), titanium diboride, and carbon nanotube (CNT) thin films are emerging materials in the biomaterial field, the effect of their surface properties on platelet adhesion is relatively unexplored. OBJECTIVE AND METHODS: In this study, novel nanomaterials made of amorphous carbon, CNTs, titanium diboride, and TiBN were grown by vacuum deposition techniques to assess their role as potential stent coatings. Platelet response towards the nanostructured surfaces of the samples was analyzed in line with their physicochemical properties. As the stent skeleton is formed mainly of stainless steel, this material was used as reference material. Platelet adhesion studies were carried out by atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy observations. A cell viability study was performed to assess the cytocompatibility of all thin film groups for 24 hours with a standard immortalized cell line. RESULTS: The nanotopographic features of material surface, stoichiometry, and wetting properties were found to be significant factors in dictating platelet behavior and cell viability. The TiBN films with higher nitrogen contents were less thrombogenic compared with the biased carbon films and control. The carbon hybridization in carbon films and hydrophilicity, which were strongly dependent on the deposition process and its parameters, affected the thrombogenicity potential. The hydrophobic CNT materials with high nanoroughness exhibited less hemocompatibility in comparison with the other classes of materials. All the thin film groups exhibited good cytocompatibility, with the surface roughness and surface free energy influencing the viability of cells.

Development of a nanoporous and multilayer drug-delivery platform for medical implants.

Biodegradable polymers can be applied to a variety of implants for controlled and local drug delivery. The aim of this study is to develop a biodegradable and nanoporous polymeric platform for a wide spectrum of drug-eluting implants with special focus on stent-coating applications. It was synthesized by poly(DL-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA 65:35, PLGA 75:25) and polycaprolactone (PCL) in a multilayer configuration by means of a spin-coating technique. The antiplatelet drug dipyridamole was loaded into the surface nanopores of the platform. Surface characterization was made by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE). Platelet adhesion and drug-release kinetic studies were then carried out. The study revealed that the multilayer films are highly nanoporous, whereas the single layers of PLGA are atomically smooth and spherulites are formed in PCL. Their nanoporosity (pore diameter, depth, density, surface roughness) can be tailored by tuning the growth parameters (eg, spinning speed, polymer concentration), essential for drug-delivery performance. The origin of pore formation may be attributed to the phase separation of polymer blends via the spinodal decomposition mechanism. SE studies revealed the structural characteristics, film thickness, and optical properties even of the single layers in the triple-layer construct, providing substantial information for drug loading and complement AFM findings. Platelet adhesion studies showed that the dipyridamole-loaded coatings inhibit platelet aggregation that is a prerequisite for clotting. Finally, the films exhibited sustained release profiles of dipyridamole over 70 days. These results indicate that the current multilayer phase therapeutic approach constitutes an effective drug-delivery platform for drug-eluting implants and especially for cardiovascular stent applications.