Development of MgF2/PDO coating for a resorbable WE43 Mg alloy esophageal stent

Design Thinking (DT) is a human-centered methodology of five phases that considers users’ needs and problems as the core insights to design unique products and services. Hence, the development of medical devices could be guided by DT and other innovation approaches like Product Design and Development and Concurrent Engineering. The intersection of these methodologies is explored to develop a resorbable esophageal stent for bariatric complications. Besides, Mg alloys have being explored for biomedical applications due to their biocompatibility and resorbability. However, degradation rates limit their application on medical devices. Conversion coating is generated over WE43 Mg alloy substrates defining concentration of Hydrofluoric Acid (HF) of 10, 20, and 40 v/v% and immersion time for 3, 6, 12, and 24 hours. Surface morphology, chemical composition and elements distribution were characterized through SEM and EDS techniques. Layer thickness and water contact angles were also measured. Moreover, polymeric films were ultrasonically atomized using PLA: DCM solutions of 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6 wt% and PDO: HFIP solutions of 0.5, and 1 wt%, based on rheological characterizations of shear and specific viscosity. Surface morphology was characterized, and film thickness was measured, setting atomization time (1, 5, 10, and 15 minutes) and polymer concentration as main factors.