The design of bioresorbable vascular scaffolds (BVSs) with integrated therapeutic and imaging functions remains a significant challenge in cardiovascular biomaterials, primarily due to the lack of bioactivity and intrinsic radiopacity in existing biodegradable polymer systems. A multifunctional biodegradable composite was created by blending poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) with 3,5-diiodoaspirin (DIA), a halogenated aspirin derivative that preserves anti-inflammatory and antiplatelet properties while introducing intrinsic radiopacity through molecular iodination. The key mechanism underlying this dual functionality lies in the molecular iodination of aspirin, which enhances X-ray attenuation without disrupting the polymer matrix, while enabling sustained release of bioactive aspirin moieties from the biodegradable composite. The resulting PCL/DIA films exhibited homogeneous morphology, favorable processability, and dose-dependent X-ray visibility. Spectroscopic and thermal analyses confirmed successful incorporation of DIA without compromising the polymer matrix's structural integrity, ensuring effective molecular integration. In vitro studies demonstrated sustained DIA release over 30 days, excellent cytocompatibility, minimal hemolysis, and significant reduction in platelet adhesion. Additionally, the DIA-loaded polymer mitigated lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory responses and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in endothelial cells and macrophages, in line with aspirin's known anti-inflammatory effects. Subcutaneous implantation in rats showed lasting radiopacity and reduced fibrous capsule formation over 30 days. Notably, PCL/aspirin controls exhibited similar bioactivity but lacked radiographic contrast, highlighting the dual functionality of DIA. These findings suggest that DIA incorporation enables a biodegradable polymer platform that combines therapeutic action with imaging capability, offering a promising foundation for the future development of image-guided vascular biomaterials.
Wei et al. (Thu,) studied this question.