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(1) Background: The evaluation of ventricular assist devices requires the usage of biocompatible and chemically stable materials. The commonly used polyurethanes are characterized by versatile properties making them well suited for heart prostheses applications, but simultaneously they show low stability in biological environments. (2) Methods: An innovative material-copolymer of poly(ethylene-terephthalate) and dimer linoleic acid—with controlled and reproducible physico-mechanical and biological properties was developed for medical applications. Biocompatibility (cytotoxicity, surface thrombogenicity, hemolysis, and biodegradation) were evaluated. All results were compared to medical grade polyurethane currently used in the extracorporeal heart prostheses. (3) Results: No cytotoxicity was observed and no significant decrease of cells density as well as no cells growth reduction was noticed. Thrombogenicity analysis showed that the investigated copolymers have the thrombogenicity potential similar to medical grade polyurethane. No hemolysis was observed (the hemolytic index was under 2% according to ASTM 756-00 standard). These new materials revealed excellent chemical stability in simulated body fluid during 180 days aging. (4) Conclusions: The biodegradation analysis showed no changes in chemical structure, molecular weight distribution, good thermal stability, and no changes in surface morphology. Investigated copolymers revealed excellent biocompatibility and great potential as materials for blood contacting devices.

End-of-life options for plastics include recycling and energy recovery (incineration). Taking into account the polymeric waste, recycling is the intentional action that is aimed at reducing the amount of waste deposited in landfills by industrial use of this waste to obtain raw materials and energy. The incineration of waste leads to recovery of the energy only. Recycling methods divide on mechanical (reuse of waste as a full-valuable raw material for further processing), chemical (feedstock recycling), and organic (composting and anaerobic digestion). The type of recycling is selected in terms of the polymeric material, origin of the waste, possible toxicity of the waste, and its flammability. The (bio)degradable polymers show the suitability for every recycling methods. But recycling method should be used in such a form that it is economically justified in a given case. Organic recycling in a circular economy is considered to be the most appropriate technology for the disposal of compostable waste. It is addressed for plastics capable for industrial composting such as cellulose films, starch blends, and polyesters. The biological treatment of organic waste leads also to a decrease of landfills and thereby reducing methane emissions from them. If we add to their biodegradability the absence of toxicity, we have a biotechnological product of great industrial interest. The paper presents the overview on end-of-life options useful for the (bio)degradable polymers. The principles of the circular economy and its today development were also discussed.

The aim of this study was to assess the suitability of the atomic layer deposition method in terms of using it for 316 LVM (low carbon vacuum melt) steel surface modification that is used for blood‐contacting implants in determined technological conditions. As part of a suitability assessment of thin layer deposition technology, the performance of mechanical and physical properties testing was proposed. The investigation influences the evaluation of the analysed material in the cardiovascular system's behavior used for blood. 316 LVM stainless steel was the initial material to be tested. The 316 LVM steel was subjected to the following surface modifications: electrolytic polishing, chemical passivation and deposition of a silicon dioxide (SiO2) layer using the atomic layer deposition method. The layer was applied at a variable thickness depending on the atomic layer deposition process, at constant temperature. In terms of mechanical properties, the analyzing adhesion of applied layers to the metallic base and its hardness were examined. What is more, during the evaluation of physical properties, testing of surface wettability was performed, which has a fundamental significance in case of implants used in the cardiovascular system. The obtained results have direct impact on optimization process of SiO2 layers deposition with atomic layer deposition method on blood‐contacting implants, which surface was made of steel 316 LVM, there by resulting in their have a direct impact functional properties improvement.

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