Method for Ionically Cross-Linking Gellan Gum for Thin Film Applications and Medical Devices Produced Therefrom

摘要

A method for producing ionically cross-linked gellan gum includes dissolving the material in a first liquid solution that includes a dissolving liquid. The first liquid solution is applied to a workpiece to form a polysaccharide-based coating on the workpiece. The coating is dried to remove a substantial portion of the dissolving liquid. Subsequent to drying, the coating is exposed to a second liquid solution that includes a compound that promotes ionic cross-linking of the coating. In the preferred embodiment, the dissolving liquid comprises water and possibly a polar solvent. The ionic cross-linking compound preferably comprises a divalent cation such as calcium (Ca²⁺), or possibly strontium (Sr²⁺), magnesium (Mg²⁺), barium (Ba²⁺), or other multivalent ions. Such a method forms a uniform ionically cross-linked film and/or coating for diverse applications, including medical devices such as implantable vascular grafts, stent-grafts and/or stents.