The Polymer Society of Korea

Abstract

Inflammation and fibrosis are key determinants of tissue regeneration. However, in pediatric esophageal atresia, interventions such as balloon dilatation and eluting stents are used to prevent postoperative stricture, yet restricture remains a major clinical limitation. Here, we developed a coacervate-based drug-eluting suture composed of dopamine-functionalized fucoidan(D-fuc) and poly-L-lysine(PLL)—the LACE(Localized Anti-inflammatory Coacervate-based Eluting) suture system. Catechol groups provide strong interfacial adhesion in aqueous conditions, physiological pH, and mechanical friction. The coating is rapidly applied by dip-coating and allows stable drug loading with controlled release. Beyond their anti-inflammatory effects, the antioxidant activity of catechol moieties helps promote tissue regeneration by mitigating oxidative stress. This platform provides a strategy to modulate inflammation while supporting healing and enabling surface modification of medical devices.