Towards biodegradable Mg-based ureteral stents: a comprehensive in vitro study of two Mg-1Y stent prototypes

Abstract Ureteral stents are fundamental devices in urology but currently used stents are associated with adverse events such as encrustation and infections. Biodegradable magnesium yttrium (Mg-Y) has shown potential as base material for a next-generation biodegradable ureteral stent due to reported lower corrosion rates than pure Mg, homogeneous corrosion and associated antibacterial activity. In the present work, meshed tubes were produced via additive manufacturing (AM) and extruded, and coiled, wire tubes were fabricated. The corrosion behavior in dynamic conditions was studied, as well as the cytotoxicity and antibacterial activity. AM samples showed faster corrosion (associated with higher surface area and impurity level), while the extruded ones showed some localized corrosion points. Additionally, AM samples demonstrated lower toxicity compared with the extruded-coiled ones to urinary tract derived cell lines, at a low metal exposed surface area/volume ratio of 27.5 mm 2 /ml. AM samples also showed antibacterial activity against E. coli . This study highlights the potential of Mg-Y for the development of a biodegradable ureteral stent, an innovative concept with expected improved patient outcomes.