Biopolymer-Hydroxyapatite Matrix Composite Coatings for Stcnts

摘要

Conclusions: PLGA-Hydroxyapatite matrix composites combine the reinforcing polymer phase with the ceramic matrix phase to create coatings with new and superior properties. The hydroxyapatite matrix provides a stable, biocompatible microporous framework with relatively high capacity for drug. The biopolymer filler provides toughness to overcome the intrinsic brittleness and lack of reliability of the ceramic. The novel composites combine the most desirable properties of bioceramics with those of biopolymers, to tailor properties such as strength and elasticity to meet the specific system requirements. The system was demonstrated to work well for the coronary stent coatings. The composite coating is extremely valuable for the stent applications because of the significant deformation of the stents during crimping and expansion.