Bioabsorbable material-containing phosphorylcholine group-rich surfaces for temporary scaffolding of the vessel wall

Novel blends of poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) and a water-soluble amphiphilic poly(2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine-co-n-butyl methacrylate) (PMB30W) were prepared as materials for temporary scaffolding to provide mechanical support to the vessel wall until adequate vascular healing is achieved, after which the scaffold disappears. The PLLA/PMB30W cast films demonstrated higher breaking strengths than PLLA cast films, and their Young's modulus was similar to that of PLLA under dry conditions. A high density of phosphorylcholine head groups on the inner surface of PLLA/PMB30W tubing was developed by repeated coatings with the PLLA/PMB30W blend polymer solutions. The PLLA/PMB30W tubing showed stable degradation behaviors similar to those of the PLLA tubing. This is the first report that demonstrates cell membrane-like materials that can be used in temporary scaffolding of the vessel wall; these materials are characterized by strong mechanical properties and stable degradation behaviors that are superior or similar to those of high-molecular-weight PLLA.