Biodegradable and elastomeric poly(glycerol sebacate) as a coating material for nitinol bare stent

Area of Science:

• Polymer Chemistry
• Biomaterials Science
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Biodegradable and elastomeric polymers are crucial for advanced medical applications.
• Developing new materials with tunable properties is essential for improving medical device performance.
• Poly(glycerol sebacate) (PGS) offers potential as a versatile biomaterial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize a novel biodegradable and elastomeric polyester, poly(glycerol sebacate) (PGS).
• To evaluate the mechanical properties, elasticity, and biodegradation behavior of PGS.
• To investigate the application of PGS as an electrospray coating for nitinol stents in varicose vein treatment.

Main Methods:

• Polycondensation reaction between glycerol and sebacic acid to synthesize PGS without exogenous catalysts.
• Mechanical testing including tensile strength, Young's modulus, and elongation at break.
• Contact angle measurements to assess surface properties.
• Electrospray coating of PGS on nitinol stents and analysis of coating properties.

Main Results:

• Synthesized PGS exhibited good mechanical properties (tensile strength 0.28 MPa, Young's modulus 0.122 MPa) and high elongation (237.8%).
• The material demonstrated surface erosion biodegradation and repeated elongation without rupture.
• Water-in-air contact angles of PGS surfaces were approximately 60°.
• Electrospray coating of PGS on nitinol stents showed controllable surface morphology and thickness.

Conclusions:

• Poly(glycerol sebacate) is a promising biodegradable and elastomeric material with excellent mechanical properties.
• PGS can be effectively applied as an electrospray coating on nitinol stents, offering potential for enhanced long-term patency in varicose vein therapy.
• The tunable nature of PGS coatings allows for optimization in medical device applications.