Mechanical, biological, and microstructural properties of biodegradable models of polymeric stents made of PLLA and alginate fibers.

Due to lack of effective methods for preventing the complications associated with stent implantation, the search for new solutions is conducted, including those based on the use of biodegradable polymers. Such materials could allow us to develop a temporary implant that would ensure flow in the vessel until its regeneration, while minimising the negative effects connected with long-term implant-tissue interaction. In this study, models in the form of biodegradable stents of different materials and geometry were prepared. Due to the fact that one of the basic requirements imposed on vascular stents is the ability to resist radial loads caused by the surrounding tissue, the maximum radial forces causing destruction of prepared models were investigated. The results were compared with the values obtained for commercially used metallic implants. Models were also incubated in Eagle's medium enriched with albumin in order to assess potential adhesion capacity of proteins on their surface. Scanning electron microscope enabled monitoring of microstructural changes during incubation. The results obtained were used to evaluate the ability to obtain a functional, biodegradable vascular stent.