PLGA-coated drug-loaded nanotubes anodically grown on nitinol

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Drug Delivery Systems

Background:

• Local drug delivery systems are crucial for targeted therapeutic interventions.
• Nitinol (NiTi) alloy is widely used in medical devices.
• Controlling drug release kinetics and ensuring biocompatibility are key challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate nanotube-covered nitinol as a matrix for local vancomycin delivery.
• To investigate the effect of a poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) coating on drug release and bioperformance.
• To assess the cytocompatibility and corrosion resistance of the modified nitinol surfaces.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of nanotubes on NiTi alloy via anodization.
• Impregnation of nanotubes with vancomycin hydrochloride.
• Coating of drug-loaded nanotubes with PLGA.
• Characterization using SEM, water contact angle, drug release studies, corrosion tests, and cell viability assays.

Main Results:

• Homogeneous nanotubes (600-700 nm length, ~30 nm diameter) with improved hydrophilicity were formed.
• Bare nanotubes showed rapid vancomycin release (49% in 6h, complete by 96h).
• PLGA coating controlled vancomycin release (26% in 6h, ~50% retained after 7 days).
• PLGA coating improved corrosion resistance and enhanced dental pulp stem cell viability compared to uncoated samples.

Conclusions:

• PLGA-coated, vancomycin-loaded nanotubes on NiTi offer a promising controlled drug delivery system.
• The system provides therapeutic drug release levels with improved biocompatibility.
• This technology has potential applications in medical devices requiring localized antibiotic delivery.