A novel bioabsorbable vascular stent design aims to revolutionize treatment for cardiovascular diseases through the use of polycaprolactone (PCL) combined with oxidized starch (OS) enhanced by iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs). Historically, cardiovascular disease has been the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, prompting the constant need for advancements in stent technology. This cutting-edge research presents strong evidence for enhanced stent performance via this innovative material combination.
Cardiologists have recognized restenosis—a condition where arteries become narrow again following stent placement—as a significant challenge, affecting up to 30% of patients post-procedure. To combat this, the research team—led by F. Hataminia from Tehran University of Medical Sciences—has synthesized PCL nano-fibers integrated with OS and IONPs to create rigid yet bioabsorbable scaffolds. These new stents promise not only to diminish the likelihood of restenosis but also to support natural arterial function as they degrade within the body.
This groundbreaking work dates back to early 2025, when researchers employed electrospinning and laser cutting techniques to develop the multilayer structures necessary for effective stenting. This approach capitalizes on the synergy of the composite materials, creating scaffolds with notable self-adhesive properties as the OS interacts with water, enhancing layer bonding without the use of harmful adhesives.
A dual-nozzle electrospinning technique was pivotal during fabrication, which allowed the simultaneous creation of the required nanocomposite layering. These stents have been shown to maintain mechanical integrity under physiological conditions. This finding is particularly relevant for patients, as the gradual degradation of the stent may restore vascular anatomy and function, offering them increased safety post-angioplasty.
The researchers conducted rigorous mechanical property assessments and biocompatibility tests, providing initial insights on the material's behavior in physiological conditions. Cell viability tests, employing human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and L929 fibroblasts, confirmed the composite’s compatibility—no significant cytotoxic responses were observed. The advanced structure demonstrated favorable adhesion properties necessary for endothelial cell growth, which is imperative for healing and reducing inflammatory responses after stent implantation.
Blood compatibility was assessed through prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), hemolysis rates, and platelet adhesion analyses, which all indicated promising results. Significant findings include less than 0.5% hemolysis rate observable, well below the ASTM standard threshold.
"The incorporation of oxidized starch is pivotal for achieving effective vascular stent applications, due to its mechanical, adhesive, and biocompatibility properties," wrote the authors of the article. These characteristics can vastly improve patient outcomes—particularly since current stents often compromise post-surgical vascular recovery, leaving room for undesirable consequences.
This innovative technology not only advances current stenting options but aligns with increasingly ecologically conscious practices. The application of biodegradable materials creates a less harmful environmental impact, addressing the pressing need for sustainable biomedical materials.
Looking forward, the team anticipates clinical trials to test their stent’s effectiveness within living systems, aiming to validate these laboratory results through real-world application. Future studies may expand on the development of composite stents for other vascular sites, increasing the potential for such innovations to deliver enhanced patient care and improved survival outcomes.
Overall, this research signifies a leap toward more effective and biocompatible cardiovascular treatments, showing considerable promise for the next generation of bioabsorbable vascular stents.