S. Ranade, R. Richard, M. Helmus
2005
Citations
0
Influential Citations
98
Citations
Quality indicators
Journal
Acta biomaterialia
Abstract
The use of styrenic block copolymers has undergone a renaissance as a biomaterial and drug delivery matrix. The early promise posed by the physical and biological properties of these block copolymers for implantable medical devices was not met. However, there has been an increased understanding of the role of microphase separation on the mediation of the biological response. Poly (styrene-b-isobutylene-b-styrene) (SIBS) block copolymer has critical enabling properties related to processing, vascular compatibility and bio-stability that has resulted in its use as the matrix for paclitaxel delivery from Boston Scientific's TAXUS coronary stent. These enabling properties will allow the continuing development of medical devices based on SIBS that meet demanding physical and biological requirements.