Biocompatibility, cell adhesion, and degradation of surface-modified biodegradable polymers designed for the upper urinary tract.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to develop a short bioresorbable ureteric stent and to characterize polymers and their surface modifications with respect to biocompatibility, degradation kinetics, cell adhesion properties, and incorporation of biologically active substances. Poly(D,L-lactide) PDLLA, poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) PDLLA-co-GLY, and poly(D,L-lactide-co-trimethylenecarbonate) PDLLA-co-TMC were chosen as basic polymers. Surface modification was performed by plasma-induced graft polymerization and included grafting with hydroxyethylmethacrylate (HEMA), oligo(ethyleneoxide)-monomethacrylate (OEOMA), and acrylic acid (AAC). Biocompatibility of the polymers was assessed in vitro applying parameters of cell morphology, proliferative activity, and cell adhesion. All polymers were biocompatible and exerted no toxic effect on urothelial cell lines and on primary human urothelial cell cultures. A markedly reduced cell adhesion could be achieved in polymers grafted with HEMA, OEOMA, and AAC. Our results indicate that surface modification of bioresorbable polymers by grafting with HEMA, OEOMA, or AAC is an efficient approach to improve surface properties with respect to biocompatibility and cell adhesion properties.