Stable and Integrated Nanocellulose-Covered Stents via In Situ Microbial Synthesis

Abstract

Membrane covering stents are gaining significant importance in the management of intracavitary diseases, particularly in cases where bare metal stents are inappropriate, such as those involving intracavitary tumors and leaks. It is becoming increasingly important to build an integrated membrane-covered stent. In this study, a metallic stent coated with CaO₂ nanoparticles is fixed in a customized bioreactor. The aggregation of Komagataeibacter xylinus on the stent surface are driven by oxygen release from CaO₂ hydrolysis. Bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) is gradually synthesized in situ, ultimately achieving a BNC membrane covered around the stent's grid and forming an integrated BNC-covered stent. The colonization of bacteria around the stent is confirmed using live/dead bacterial staining kits. This BNC-covered stent maintains the bonding stability between membrane and stent after 10 000 compression cycles, demonstrating 3.5 N stress at 90% compression. After 2 weeks of implantation into the rabbit's trachea, airway patency and epithelial cell survival are 100%, with no inflammation or goblet cell metaplasia. The 3D printing modeling from clinical data shows that the BNC-covered stent loaded with fluorescein isothiocyanate labeled paclitaxel (FITC-PTX) can achieve precise drug delivery in the porcine trachea. The integrated BNC-covered stent provides a promising platform for various intracavitary intervention.