Characterisation of microporous stent surface topography and drug release profile

The overall aim of the work was to mathematically model drug release from microporous stent surfaces. A series of models were developed for different conditions. Images of the microporous stent surfaces were obtained using Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). These images were used to inform the model development. The model drug release predictions were then compared against stent drug release profiles that were determined experimentally.

Microporous stent surface images were obtained using an Atomic Force Microscope (MFP 3D, Asylum Research, CA, USA). Scans were performed in intermittent contact mode in air, at a scan size of 5 and 20 micrometers. A rectangular silicon probe with an aluminium coating was used (160 TS, Olympus). The spring constant of this cantilever type was 26 N/m. Images were collected from 4 randomly selected points from three separate Yukon Choice stents (uncoated). For each location, an ortho projection and a 3D image were produced. The images produced are included in this dataset as separate JPEG files (48 in total).

Drug release data were generated as follows. A single Yukon Choice stent was coated with rapamycin solution (10mg/ml in ethanol) using the Translumina dose-adjustable stent coating machine, according to manufacturer's instructions. The coated stent was then immersed in release medium (phosphate buffered saline:ethanol (90:10)) and the rapamycin release from the surface quantified over time using UV-spectroscopy (UV 2401 PC, Shimadzu Corporation). Raw data and processed data on drug release are included in this dataset within an MS Excel file, which also contains further experimental details.