A polydiolcitrate-MoS₂ composite for 3D printing Radio-opaque, Bioresorbable Vascular Scaffolds

Implantable polymeric biodegradable devices, such as biodegradable vascular stents or scaffolds, cannot be fully visualized using standard X-ray-based techniques, compromising their performance due to malposition after deployment. To address this challenge, we describe composites of methacrylated poly(1,12 dodecamethylene citrate) (mPDC) and MoS₂ nanosheets to fabricate novel X-ray visible radiopaque and photocurable liquid polymer-ceramic composite (mPDC-MoS₂). The composite was used as an ink with micro continuous liquid interface production (μCLIP) to fabricate bioresorbable vascular scaffolds (BVS). Prints exhibited excellent crimping and expansion mechanics without strut failures and, importantly, required X-ray visibility in air and muscle tissue. Notably, MoS₂ nanosheets displayed physical degradation over time in a PBS environment, indicating the potential for producing bioresorbable devices. mPDC-MoS₂ is a promising bioresorbable X-ray-visible composite material suitable for 3D printing medical devices, particularly vascular scaffolds or stents, that require non-invasive X-ray-based monitoring techniques for implantation and evaluation. This innovative composite system holds significant promise for the development of biocompatible and highly visible medical implants, potentially enhancing patient outcomes and reducing medical complications.