Development of a biodegradable ureteric stent: surface modification and in vitro assessment

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Medical Device Development

Background:

• Ureteric stents are crucial for urinary tract drainage but often cause complications.
• Bioresorbable materials offer advantages over permanent stents, reducing the need for removal.
• Developing effective bioresorbable ureteric stents requires careful material selection and surface characterization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To create a short bioresorbable ureteric stent.
• To characterize poly(D,L-lactide) and poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) for stent applications.
• To evaluate surface modification, biocompatibility, and active compound loading.

Main Methods:

• Polymer selection: poly(D,L-lactide) and poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide).
• Characterization: contact angle, XPS, FTIR-ATR for surface properties and degradation.
• Active compound incorporation: gas loading technology.
• Biocompatibility testing: in vitro cellular assays (morphology, proliferation, membrane integrity).

Main Results:

• Surface modification effectively improved the properties of bioresorbable polymers.
• Biologically active compounds were successfully incorporated without loss of efficacy.
• In vitro assays confirmed the biocompatibility of the chosen polymers and their modifications.

Conclusions:

• Surface-modified bioresorbable polymers are suitable for developing advanced ureteric stents.
• The developed stent material demonstrates good biocompatibility and potential for drug delivery.
• This approach offers a promising alternative for short-term ureteric stenting applications.