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4D Printing of Shape Memory Vascular Stent Based on βCD-g-Polycaprolactone
Yanyi Zhou1,2, Dong Zhou1, Pengrui Cao2,3
1Vascular Surgery Department, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, 730000, P. R. China.
Macromolecular Rapid Communications
|June 14, 2021
Summary
Researchers developed a 4D-printed, shape-memory stent using star polycaprolactone (s-PCL) and β-cyclodextrin (βCD). This biocompatible stent offers sustained drug release, addressing critical limb ischemia needs.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Engineering
- Polymer Science
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Small-diameter vascular scaffolds are crucial for treating critical limb ischemia.
- Existing scaffolds often lack sufficient biocompatibility and drug-eluting capabilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To fabricate a 4D-printed, shape-memory peripheral stent with enhanced biocompatibility and sustained drug release.
- To evaluate the mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and drug-eluting potential of the novel stent material.
Main Methods:
- Synthesized star polycaprolactone (s-PCL) using ring-opening polymerization initiated by β-cyclodextrin (βCD).
- Modified s-PCL with acrylate endgroups for UV-light-initiated crosslinking to form a network (c-PCL).
- Fabricated 4D-printed stents and evaluated mechanical properties, biocompatibility with human umbilical vein endothelial cells, and paclitaxel release kinetics.
Main Results:
- The composite stent exhibited mechanical properties comparable to human great saphenous vein and commercial stents, with a radial support of 0.56 ± 0.11 N.
- Demonstrated good cell adhesion and proliferation, indicating excellent biocompatibility.
- Achieved sustained paclitaxel release via host-guest complexation with βCD, highlighting potential for long-term drug delivery.
Conclusions:
- The 4D-printed, shape-memory stent composed of PCL and βCD offers a promising strategy for small-diameter vascular applications.
- The stent's biocompatibility, mechanical strength, and sustained drug release capabilities address key challenges in treating critical limb ischemia.
