Tissue engineering stent model with long fiber-reinforced thermoplastic technique

Abstract

This study aims to construct tissue engineering stents by using the long fiber-reinforced thermoplastic (LFT) technique to develop artery stents. The experimental method combines fibers, the LFT technique, and electrospinning technique. First, the biodegradable polyvinyl alcohol yarns are twisted and coated in polycaprolactone/polyethylene glycol blends through the LFT technique. Next, the weft-knitting and heat treatment are used to establish the stent structure, after which poly (ethylene oxide) (PEO) is electrospun to coat the stents. The morphology, mechanical, and biological properties of tissue engineering stents are evaluated. The test results indicated that the use of the LFT technique retains the softness of filaments, which facilitates the subsequent weft-knitting process. The coating of blends and electrospinning of PEO have a positive influence on the tissue engineering stents, as demonstrated by the tensile strength of 59.93 N and compressive strength of 6.10 N. Moreover, the in vitro degradation of stents exhibits a stabilized process. The water contact angle is 20.33°, and the cell survival rate in 24 h is over 80%. The proposed tissue engineering stents are good candidates for artery stent structure.

Bioresorbable Polyester Coatings with Antifouling and Antimicrobial Properties for Prevention of Biofilm Formation in Early Stage Infections on Ti6Al4V Hard-Tissue Implants

“…Water contact angle measurements from the polymer coatings were found to decrease with the addition of PEG into the polymer chain, as is shown in Figure . Ti6Al4V is known to be hydrophobic with a contact angle of 100.18°, and PEG to be highly hydrophilic due to its polarity with a contact angle of 24.32°. Hydrophobic PDLLA (64.19°) when copolymerized using hydrophilic PEG (24.32°) achieves an amphiphilic state, with PDLLA–PEG 80:20 and 60:40 showing a decrease in contact angle of 54.62 and 41.82°, respectively; even though PEG would be considered more hydrophilic, it showed to be fully soluble after 5 min.…”