The influence of drug-polymer interactions on release of antirestenotic agent from bioresorbable scaffolds

Localized drug delivery from vascular scaffolds can effectively prevent restenosis after stenting procedures. However, one of the current challenge remains to provide controlled release of antirestenotic drug and identify drug eluting mechanisms. The aim of study was to analyze the influence of polymer forming eluting layer, drug and intermolecular interactions on the release process. In vitro release of sirolimus or paclitaxel from coating of scaffolds obtained from poly(l,l-lactide)-co-trimethylene carbonate and poly(d,l-lactide)-co-trimethylene carbonate was studied. Differences between paclitaxel and sirolimus elution from crystalline copolymer were observed due to intermolecular interactions. Interaction of drug with amorphous polymer did not affect release process.