Effect of silica precursors-type on mechanical properties of sol-gel coatings

Reversion to narrowing, called restenosis, still remains an important problem of coronary angioplasty. Analysis of the problem revealed that the application of surface layers aimed at creating on the stent surface a neutral barrier between its metallic framework and tissues of the blood-vascular system is decidedly best to impede the restenosis. They also play the role of medicine carriers. This article presents a new sol-gel technology, to be applied in coronary stent coatings. Currently, this is one of the most progressive methods allowing the modification of surface layers of metallic biomaterials. The results presented prove that due to a proper selection of silica precursors it is possible to obtain continuous, smooth, plastic deformation-resistant sol-gel coatings, which additionally are characterised by very close adherence to the base material, nanometer thickness and low degree of surface development.