Polymers in Cardiology

Abstract

Polymers have found widespread applications in cardiology, in particular in coronary vascular intervention as stent platforms, coating matrices for drug-eluting stents (DES) and drug-coated balloons (DCB) and for transcatheter valve therapy. Besides permanent polymers, biodegradable polymers came in focus of current research and development for medical applications, as they degrade once their function is fulfilled, which might efficiently reduce observed hypersensitivity reactions. After reviewing polymers used for cardiovascular applications, the book chapter deals with possible surface modification reactions of the polymers including the provision with a local drug delivery function and/ or biofunctionalization in order to selectively control cell-implant interactions. These functionalizations can be furthermore designed to enhance bio-and hemocompatibility, which is of special interest for cardiovascular implants and devices. A general discussion of bio-and hemo-compatibility of polymers for cardiovascular applications and corresponding evaluation methods is additionally given. With our own published data, we finally highlight exemplary polymer applications in cardiology as polymer-based biodegradable stent platforms, biodegradable polymeric coatings for DES and hydrogel-based coatings for DCB. Moreover, developed biofunctionalization strategies of polymers are discussed with regard to their application in cardiology.

Surface Modification of PLLA, PTFE and PVDF with Extreme Ultraviolet (EUV) to Enhance Cell Adhesion

“…PVDF is also used as the first generation of drug release stent coatings. Application of PVDF allows to optimize transport of the drug and reduce the irritation caused by the presence of a stent [ 16 ]. In recent years researchers are looking for a new medical application for PVDF.…”

“…PLLA is also used as a biodegradable scaffold that replaces stents to treat damaged blood vessels. Stents made from PLLA allows blood vessels to regain its physiological function after complete scaffold degradation [ 16 ]. Finally, PLLA is used in surgery as a barrier to prevent the adhesion of adjacent tissues to each other.…”

Unravelling the Immunotoxicity of Polycaprolactone Nanoparticles—Effects of Polymer Molecular Weight, Hydrolysis, and Blends

“…Analyzing the NPs' structure more deeply, FTIR-ATR analysis highlighted great differences between PCL 1 and PCL 2 -based NPs. The use of NaOH in the aqueous phase for NP precipitation induced some hydrolysis in the PCL core of PCL 2 NPs and PCL 2 /Glu NPs, generating more reactive groups (carboxyl and hydroxyl), 56 and this can possibly justify the higher toxicity of the PCL 2 -based NPs. Alkali hydrolysis is generally described during alkali treatments of polymer surfaces to enhance hydrophilicity, enzymatic hydrolyzability, and cell adhesion.…”

“…Analyzing the NPs’ structure more deeply, FTIR-ATR analysis highlighted great differences between PCL 1 and PCL 2 -based NPs. The use of NaOH in the aqueous phase for NP precipitation induced some hydrolysis in the PCL core of PCL 2 NPs and PCL 2 /Glu NPs, generating more reactive groups (carboxyl and hydroxyl), and this can possibly justify the higher toxicity of the PCL 2 -based NPs. Alkali hydrolysis is generally described during alkali treatments of polymer surfaces to enhance hydrophilicity, enzymatic hydrolyzability, and cell adhesion. , Compared to our experimental conditions, these treatments generally report higher concentrations (1 N to 6 N), the use of temperature (≥45 °C), or longer times (5 to 6 h). , Nonetheless, Park et al reported the hydrolysis of PCL scaffolds produced from PCL (80 000 g/mol), with 1 N NaOH for 1 h at room temperature.…”