Poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate)/Sodium alginate blends have superior characteristics and can be used to fabricate vascular stents

Abstract

To investigate the physical properties and in vitro biocompatibility of Poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) and Sodium alginate (PBAT/SA) melt blending, as well as feasibility of using PBAT/SA blending materials to fabricate vascular stents through 3D printing technology. PBAT/SA composites were prepared by melt blending, and then related physical properties were assessed through FTIR, SEM, DSC, and water contact angle tests. The effects of the PBAT/SA blend on cell morphology, ROS, apoptosis, and cell proliferation were analyzed in vitro. In addition, we employed a 4-axis 3D printer to evaluate the feasibility of using PBAT/SA blend materials to fabricate vascular stents. We successfully prepared PBAT/SA melt blended materials. FTIR and SEM analyses demonstrated that PBAT and SA were compatible, while DSC data confirmed that the addition of SA improved the thermal properties of PBAT. Besides, water contact angle analysis showed that SA improved the hydrophilicity of PBAT. In addition, we successfully fabricated PBAT/SA vascular stent using 4-axis 3D printing technology. Our data showed that PBAT and SA are compatible, and the addition of SA enhances the thermal properties and hydrophilicity of PBAT. In addition, PBAT/SA blend materials can be fabricated into vascular stents using 4-axis 3D printing technology.