1 research outputs found
Electrospun Polycaprolactone/Polyvinylidene Fluoride Composite Nanofibers for Fabricating Artificial Conduits for Ureteral Stricture Treatment
The ureter is a tube that carries
urine excreted from
the kidneys
from the renal pelvis to the bladder and is of small diameter at (2โ10)
mm. Ureteral stricture refers to a condition in which the ureter is
obstructed. Similar to arteriosclerosis and esophageal cancer patients,
ureteral stenosis can also be treated by re-expanding the stenotic
area using a stent or using a ureteral splint. However, even after
treatment, the recurrence rate of ureteral stenosis is very high,
over 80%, and has an average replacement cycle of (3โ6) months.
During the initial stent placement and replacement process, the patient
feels great pain and, during the stent placement, also feels uncomfortable.
In this study, multilayer membrane fabrication was easily performed
by installing several polymer solutions at once using a high-speed
electrospinning device that simultaneously operates four nozzles,
not the electrospinning system commonly used in the past. In addition,
we show that by using various sizes of collectors, it is possible
to manufacture a small-diameter catheter of (3โ10) mm similar
to the actual ureter size. The functions of the electrospun PCL(CEO)/PVDF
multilayer membrane manufactured in this study were confirmed according
to the additives added to each layer and the polymer used. It was
confirmed that the CEO added first had an antibacterial effect. In
addition, it was confirmed that piezoelectric response was detected
on both sides when stimulation was applied to the electrospun PCL(CEO)/PVDF
multilayer membrane by the PVDF layer. The artificial catheter manufactured
in this study was added with cinnamon essential oil, a representative
antibacterial substance, to PCL, a biocompatible polymer, to prevent
the accumulation of foreign substances and the formation of stones
due to the formation of bio-sludge, which is the main cause of ureteral
stricture. In addition, PVDF, a piezoelectric polymer, is coated on
the PCL layer so that the PVDF layer is in contact with the actual
ureter muscle. When stimulated by the flow of bodily fluid or muscle
movement, PVDF piezoelectricity generates an electric current, which
can have the effect of stimulating and treating malignant tumors in
the ureter. The artificial conduit manufactured in this study is expected
to apply both to the ureter and to blood conduits and various tissues
in the body