Cold Plasma Reticulation of Shape Memory Embolic Tissue Scaffolds

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Medical Device Engineering

Background:

• Polyurethane shape memory polymer (SMP) foams are investigated as thrombogenic scaffolds for treating vascular defects like cerebral aneurysms.
• Gas-blown SMP foams possess inter-pore membranes that hinder performance as embolic tissue scaffolds by limiting permeability and cellular infiltration.
• Reticulation, the process of removing these membranes, is crucial for enhancing scaffold functionality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize the effects of cold gas plasma reticulation on bulk polyurethane SMP films and foams.
• To evaluate how plasma treatment influences material properties and device-specific performance.
• To assess the potential of reticulated SMP scaffolds for embolic applications.

Main Methods:

• Material characterization using scanning electron microscopy, uniaxial tensile testing, goniometry, and free strain recovery experiments.
• Assessment of device performance including bulk permeability, platelet attachment, and cell-material interactions.
• Application of cold gas plasma reticulation to polyurethane SMP films and foams.

Main Results:

• Plasma reticulation successfully removed membranes between pores in SMP foams.
• Reticulated SMP scaffolds exhibited significantly increased bulk permeability compared to non-reticulated controls.
• Favorable cell-material interactions and retained thrombogenicity were observed in plasma reticulated scaffolds.

Conclusions:

• Cold gas plasma reticulation is an effective method for modifying polyurethane SMP foams.
• Reticulated SMP scaffolds demonstrate improved properties for embolic applications, including enhanced permeability and good cell compatibility.
• Plasma reticulated SMP scaffolds show significant promise for improving the treatment of vascular defects.