Kazan Federal University experts contribute to research of biodegradable stents
An international team presented the results of a study on developing optimal manufacturing conditions for biodegradable poly-L-lactide acid (PLLA) stents using FDM printing technology.
The project represents an important step in the development of medical devices. Biodegradable stents can reduce the negative consequences associated with metal stents, such as the risk of thrombosis and the body's reaction to biomaterials.
"This research is especially relevant today, when global science is actively developing biodegradable materials and structures for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Our technology enables the production of stents that can provide the necessary support for the vascular wall without subsequent surgical removal and with minimal risk to the patient," says Alexey Kuchumov, Head of the Biofluids Laboratory at Perm National Research Polytechnic University and Head of the Biomedical Engineering Research Group at Sirius University.
Five different geometric stent models were manufactured during the study, which then underwent comprehensive mechanical testing.
"Colleagues from Perm approached us with a request to determine the physical and mechanical properties of stents. Special equipment was required for the experiments, which was quickly developed and manufactured by the Small Student Design Bureau. This significantly reduced the time needed to prepare the experiment," notes Pavel Bolshakov, Research Associate of the KFU Laboratory of Shell Mechanics.
Kazanian researchers developed a specialized experimental setup for four-point bending of stents, using video recording methods to analyze deformations and determine stiffness. This system ensured high measurement accuracy under light loads, which was critical for assessing the mechanical properties of biodegradable stents.
"Due to the light loads involved, the equipment was designed and produced using additive manufacturing. The results were analyzed using video recording methods, which facilitated precise deformation measurements and the determination of key stent performance indicators," emphasizes Kirill Akifyev, Ph.D. student, member of the Student Design Bureau and Research Associate of the Laboratory of Shell Mechanics.
Four-point bending tests revealed that PLLA stents have a stiffness 28.2–35.4 percent lower than their counterparts made of the traditional polymer polylactide. The researchers also demonstrated that the stent's bending stiffness is highly dependent on its design, as well as the cell size and configuration.
"These results can be used to optimize existing stent models and create new ones with high performance and durability. This work can serve as a basis for further research in the field of additive manufacturing of biomedical devices," comments Oskar Sachenkov, Chair of the Department of Computer Mathematics and Informatics at the Institute of Mathematics and Mechanics.
Apart from KFU, PRNPU, and SU, the research also involved representatives of Loughborough University.
More information:
Elaboration of PLA and PLLA stents manufacturing regimes and evaluation of their mechanical performance
link.springer.com/article/10.1 … 7/s00170-025-16465-z
Provided by Kazan Federal University
