Degradable esophageal stent based on PCL/PLGA blend: degradation rate regulation and in vitro performance analysis
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1Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, the Affiated Children' s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210008 ; 2. Nanjing Yirongda Intelligent Medical Additive Manufacturing Research Institute, Nanjing 211166 , China

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R318.08;R571

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    Abstract:

    Objective: This study aimed to develop a biodegradable esophageal stent based on polycaprolactone (PCL) blended with poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), achieving controllable degradation rates by adjusting the PLGA ratio (0%−35%), balancing mechanical properties and degradation cycles, and exploring its in vitro degradation characteristics and clinical adaptation potential. Methods: PCL and PLGA were selected to prepare eight gradient blend ratios (0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35% PLGA) by extrusion-based high-temperature melt rotary 3D printing technology, combined with a honeycomb porous structure design (porosity 60%−70%). In vitro degradation experiments lasting 8 weeks were conducted using artificial saliva (pH≈6.6) and artificial gastric juice (pH≈4.0). Results: The PLGA ratio significantly affected the degradation rate, with increasing PLGA proportion accelerating stent degradation. The blending of PLGA and PCL produced a synergistic effect (for every 10% increase in PLGA, the time to reach the same weight loss rate was shortened by approximately 50%−70%), leading to stage-wise disintegration phenomena (when PLGA≥25%). The pH difference had no significant impact on degradation (P > 0.05), possibly due to the high-porosity design promoting diffusion of acidic products and the hydrophobic balance of PCL. Through ratio adjustment, degradation cycles of 4−24 weeks could be achieved. Conclusion: The PCL/PLGA blend stent achieves precise control of degradation rate through simple ratio adjustment, producing a unique “support-disintegration” mode that reduces residual risks and meets clinical needs ranging from congenital strictures to acute inflammation. In addition, the combination of 3D printing technology with biomimetic morphology and porous structure design significantly improves tissue conformity and anti-migration properties of the stent. This study provides theoretical basis and technical support for personalized biodegradable esophageal stent therapy.

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CAO Wenxin, WANG Genpang, SHEN Chong, ZHUANG Zhulun, WU Kaihong, SUN Jian. Degradable esophageal stent based on PCL/PLGA blend: degradation rate regulation and in vitro performance analysis[J].,2026,46(6):832-839.

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History
  • Received:September 27,2025
  • Revised:April 08,2026
  • Adopted:April 18,2026
  • Online: June 15,2026
  • Published:
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