Abstract
Biodegradable vascular scaffolds (BVS) are novel treatments for obstructive atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease that have been developed to overcome the limitations of traditional metallic drug-eluting stents (DES). The mechanical properties of bioabsorbable polymers used for the production of novel BVS are a key consideration for the clinical translation of this emerging technology. Herein, we describe the engineering of an in situ light-activated vascular scaffold (ILVS) comprised of a biodegradable citric acid-based elastomeric polymer, referred to as methacrylated poly-diol citrate (mPDC), and a diazeniumdiolate chitosan nitric oxide donor (chitoNO). In vitro studies demonstrate that the mechanical properties of the ILVS can be tailored to meet or exceed those of commercially available self-expanding bare metal stents (BMS). The radial compression strength of the ILVS is higher than that of a BMS despite undergoing degradation at physiologic conditions for 7 months. ILVS containing chitoNO provides sustained supraphysiologic levels of NO release. Lastly, ILVS were successfully cast in porcine arteries ex vivo using a custom designed triple balloon catheter, demonstrating translational potential. In conclusion, these data demonstrate the ability of an ILVS to provide tunable mechanical properties and drug-delivery capabilities for the vasculature, and thereby support mPDC as a promising material for the development of novel BVS platforms.