SBIR Phase I: Nanotechnology - Nanotexturing of Stents for Improved Performance

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This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project aims to demonstrate a unique and affordable method to nanotexture the surfaces of metal platform drug-eluting stents (DES) using ultrafast laser surface modification. This technology is relatively inexpensive and capable of integrating with laser micromachining that is widely used for the fabrication of DES, thus have advantages over the existing techniques such as self-assembly, imprint lithography, electron beam etc. Laser-nanotextured DES will be evaluated for biocompatibility, absorption, time release and safety profile by in-vitro tests. The broader/commercial impact of this project will be the potential to provide a cost-effective method to nanotexture DES via laser surface modification, which may improve the drug delivery, prevent thrombosis and enhance the safety profile. Although DES has profoundly affected the field of interventional cardiology by dramatically reducing the problem of in-stent restenosis associated with bare metal stent, the adverse long term stent thrombosis raises the question on the safety profile of DES. Laser nanotexturing will add substantial value to stent manufacturing by preventing thrombosis and helping in storage and supply of drugs continuously for a long term.