Bioresorbable ureteral stents from natural origin polymers

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Urology

Background:

• Ureteral stents are crucial medical devices for urinary tract conditions.
• Current stents can cause complications like encrustation and infection.
• Development of biocompatible and bioresorbable alternatives is needed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and characterize novel ureteral stents from natural polysaccharides.
• To evaluate the in vitro performance, including fluid uptake, stability, bioresorption, and antibacterial properties.
• To compare the novel stents with a commercial counterpart.

Main Methods:

• Stents fabricated using templated gelation and critical point CO2 drying with alginate, gellan gum, and gelatin blends.
• Morphological analysis via scanning electron microscopy.
• In vitro testing in artificial urine for up to 60 days, including fluid uptake, stability, bioresorption, and bacterial adhesion assays (Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella oxytoca).

Main Results:

• Stents exhibited high fluid uptake (approx. 1000%) while maintaining shape.
• Bioresorption occurred between 14 and 60 days, tunable by composition.
• No encrustation observed within the study period.
• Enhanced inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus adhesion compared to commercial stents.
• Gelatin addition significantly reduced Escherichia coli adhesion.

Conclusions:

• The developed natural polysaccharide stents meet ureteral stent requirements.
• These stents offer biocompatibility and tunable bioresorption.
• The technology advances the development of improved urinary stents with reduced complications.