3D-printed poly(p-dioxanone)/graphene oxide composite bioresorbable stents for congenital heart disease treatment
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: Bioresorbable stents (BRSs) offer significant advantages in treating congenital heart disease (CHD)-related vascular stenoses, especially for pediatric patients. However, the insufficient mechanical performance of polymeric BRSs remains a critical challenge. In this study, poly(p-dioxanone) (PPDO) was incorporated with graphene oxide (GO) for the first time to improve both mechanical properties and biocompatibility. PPDO/GO composites with varying GO content were fabricated via solution mixing and solvent casting, and tensile tests revealed that lower GO content levels (0.2% and 0.5%) significantly improved Young’s modulus, tensile strength, and elongation at break of PPDO due to hydrogen bonding and increased degree of crystallinity. 3D-printed PPDO/GO sliding-lock stents with optimal GO contents were fabricated by fused deposition modeling and demonstrated superior compression force compared to pristine PPDO stents. In vitro hemocompatibility and cytocompatibility assessments indicated that 3D-printed PPDO/GO stents exhibited a low hemolysis rate, reduced platelet adhesion, and enhanced adhesion and proliferation of endothelial cells. In vivo evaluation further demonstrated improved endothelialization in rat abdominal aortas implanted with 3D-printed PPDO/GO filaments for four weeks. Overall, PPDO/0.5%GO exhibited superior performance in compression force, hemocompatibility, cytocompatibility, and in vivo endothelialization. This study, for the first time, combines PPDO with GO and elucidates the mechanism behind the enhanced mechanical properties of PPDO/GO composite material. Using 3D printing, PPDO/GO BRSs with improved compression performance and biocompatibility were developed, highlighting their potential for treating pediatric patients with CHD-related vascular stenoses.
DOI: 10.36922/ijb.4530
Authors: Enrong Chen, Xiji Qin, Zhihui Xiong, Xiaorong Cai, Xuejun Jin, Kun Sun, Jing Sun
Language: English
Subfield: Biomaterials
Field: Materials Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4402992462