# Novel surface-modified bioresorbable zinc-based stent materials

> **NIH NIH R01** · STATE UNIVERSITY NEW YORK STONY BROOK · 2021 · $456,085

## Abstract

Approximately 5 million coronary stents are implanted world-wide each year. Most clinical stents are made of
anti-corrosion metals such as stainless steels. Life-long presence of these stents, however, often falls short in
preventing complications including in-stent restenosis (i.e. re-narrowing of arteries) and late thrombosis (i.e.
clotting). Alternatives (e.g. biodegradable materials) that could deliver the life-long treatment for coronary
blockade have long been sought. Here, a novel bioresorbable zinc (Zn)-strontium (Sr) alloy is proposed as a
promising candidate for stent. Strong preliminary results demonstrated the potential and feasibility of this
proposed study. It is believed that the Zn-based stent implants will eliminate the need for secondary surgeries
and avoid many complications associated with current permanent implants. In addition, compared with other
degradable stent materials, i.e., polymers or magnesium (Mg), tailored Zn alloys with right configuration offer
stronger strength and ductility, slower degradation matching the pace of tissue healing, non-hydrogen evolution
and better biocompatibility. Zn itself is an essential element for health while alloying element Sr is a nutrition
element as well and can significantly enhance the mechanical and corrosion properties. The goals of this project
are to determine the most effective compositions of novel binary Zn-Sr alloys and test their effectiveness as a
coronary stent material, both in vitro and in vivo, in three specific aims. Aim 1: Prepare surface modified Zn-
Sr binary alloys to tailor the material properties to accepted values of tensile strength, elongation to
failure, and corrosion rate as stent implants. Implants are prepared by melting, rolling and extruding, and
their microstructure, physical and mechanical properties are studied using electron microscopy, X-ray
diffractometory, atomic emission spectrometry, tensile and uniaxial compression tests, immersion tests, and
electrochemical tests, etc. Aim 2: Evaluate the biocompatibility of implants in vitro systematically.
Implants will be examined on protein absorption, hemocompatibility, primary vascular cell viability and growth,
vascular stem cell growth and differentiation, and direct endothelialization using in vitro cellular models. Aim 3:
Evaluate implants corrosion, safety and interactions with vascular tissues in vivo using a rat arterial
implantation model. Wire samples will be used to mimic the stent struts and their in vivo performances will be
examined in a rat vascular model. Doppler ultrasound and microCT will be used to monitor the in vivo corrosion
process, and histological examination will be performed to assess the inflammation and immune response.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9935151
- **Project number:** 5R01HL140562-04
- **Recipient organization:** STATE UNIVERSITY NEW YORK STONY BROOK
- **Principal Investigator:** Yadong Wang
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $456,085
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2018-06-01 → 2023-11-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9935151

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9935151, Novel surface-modified bioresorbable zinc-based stent materials (5R01HL140562-04). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9935151. Licensed CC0.

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