Coronary artery disease is the leading cause of death in North America. Current commercial drug eluting stents (DESs) are all polymer-based, which can cause late-thrombosis. Therefore, there is an urgent need for designing polymer-free DESs. In this study, we explored the possibility of using an iron-based metal-organic framework (MOF), MIL-88B(Fe), as a DES coating onto medical-grade stainless steel (SS). We successfully coated SS with MIL-88B coating and studied its physical and chemical characteristics. Uniform and leveled SS surfaces were achieved mechanically with 400-1200 grit sandpaper following a thorough cleaning procedure (1:1:1 ratios of ethanol, acetone, and 40% nitric acid). Infrared (IR) spectroscopy monitored the successful coating of SS with MIL88B(Fe), achieved by submerging the pre-treated SS substrate in a synthesis “mother” solution for 12 hours at 100 degrees Celcius. Quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) was used to monitor drug loading quantity of MIL-88B(Fe) coating on a gold sensor chip to mimic DES coating on medical-grade SS. Au sensor chips were functionalized using a 16-mercaptohexadecanoic acid (MHDA) self-assembled monolayer to link MIL-88B(Fe) thin-films on top. Then our MOF’s drug loading ability was analyzed with ibuprofen as the model drug using QCM with the Sauerbrey equation. Lastly, electrodeposition (EPD) studies with a voltaic cell were conducted, to explore the possibility of using a electrochemical system to induce synthesis of MIL-88B(Fe) onto SS. EPD would provide a higher efficiency for industrial synthesis. Ultimately, this research will help develop innovative drug delivery systems using MOFs.

Development of MIL-88B(Fe) thin films for applications in drug eluting stents

ACS Spring 2022

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.