Additive Manufacturing of Biodegradable Molybdenum – From Powder to Vascular Stent

Abstract

Magnesium, iron and zinc based biodegradable metals are widely recognized as promising candidate materials for the next generation of bioresorbable stent (BVS). However, none of those metal BVSs are perfect at this stage. Here, we developed a brand‐new BVS based on a novel biodegradable metal (Molybdenum, Mo) through additive manufacturing. Nearly full‐dense and crack‐free thin‐wall Mo was directly manufactured through selective laser melting (SLM) with fine Mo powder. Systemic analyses considering the forming quality, wall‐thickness, microstructure, mechanical properties and degradation behaviors were performed. Then, Mo‐based thin‐strut (≤ 100 µm) stents were successfully obtained through an optimized single‐track laser melting route. The SLMed thin‐wall Mo owns comparable strength to its Mg and Zn based counterparts (as‐drawn), whilst, it exhibits remarkable biocompatibility in vitro. Vessel related cells are well adhered and spread on SLMed Mo, and it exhibits a low risk of hemolysis and thrombus. The SLMed stent is compatible to vessel tissues in rat abdominal aorta, and it can provide sufficient support in an animal model as an extravascular stent. This work possibly opens a new era of manufacturing Mo‐based stents through additive manufacturing.This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved