Development of 4D-Printed Arterial Stents Utilizing Bioinspired Architected Auxetic Materials

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Biomedical Engineering
• Additive Manufacturing

Background:

• 4D printing combines 3D printing with materials that change shape over time.
• Auxetic materials exhibit a negative Poisson's ratio, deforming uniquely under stress.
• Bioinspired architected materials offer novel mechanical properties for advanced applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop 4D-printed arterial stents using biocompatible and biodegradable auxetic materials.
• To investigate the mechanical behavior of different auxetic material structures.
• To simulate stent deployment in the aorta using finite element analysis.

Main Methods:

• Experimental examination of three auxetic material structures at varying densities under tensile and compression testing.
• Development of non-linear hyperelastic finite element material models.
• Simulation of stent insertion into a catheter and deployment in the aorta.

Main Results:

• The 'square mode 3' auxetic structure demonstrated superior strength.
• This structure provided sufficient compressibility for catheter insertion.
• Finite element models accurately simulated stent behavior during deployment.

Conclusions:

• 4D-printed auxetic stents show promise for cardiovascular applications.
• The 'square mode 3' structure is a viable candidate for future stent development.
• This research highlights the potential of advanced materials in medical devices.