DEVELOPMENT OF A BIODEGRADABLE URETERAL STENT - SURFACE MODIFICATION AND IN-VITRO ASSESSMENT

The aim of the present study was to develop a short bioresorbable uret eric stent and to characterize the chosen polymers with respect to sur face modification, biocompatibility, and loading of a biologically act ive compound As materials for the stent, poly(D,L-lactide) and poly(D, L-lactide-co-glycolide) were chosen, Degradation experiments were carr ied out and analytical data were obtained by contact angle measurement , X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and infrared spectroscopy in the attenuated reflection mode (FTIR-ATR), Gas loading technology was used to incorporate biologically active compounds, and biocompatibili ty of the polymers was assessed by in vitro cellular assays, applying measures such as cell morphology, proliferative activity, and membrane integrity, Our results indicate that surface modification of bioresor bable polymers is a suitable and efficient approach to improve the sur face properties, Incorporation of biologically active compounds was po ssible without loss of activity, and in vitro assessment of cellular r esponses demonstrated the biocompatibility of the chosen polymers and modifications.