Controlled Release Ultrasonic-Coated Drug-Eluting Stent with Multilayers of Chitosan and Curcumin

INTRODUCTION: In clinical practice, several commercial drug-eluting stent products have limitations during the early drug-release phase due to the phenomenon of initial burst release (IBR), which may increase the risk of restenosis. This experimental study utilized a multilayer strategy with genipin-crosslinked chitosan as the polymer and curcumin as the drug to address these limitations. METHODS: Based on the forward speed of the rotary drive (7, 8, and 9 mm/s), ultrasonic coating was used to create uniform layers, followed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and a release study. Validation of the analytical method confirmed the reliability of the UV-Vis spectrophotometric technique. RESULTS: The release data modeled with the Korsmeyer-Peppas model show Super Case II transport via relaxation/erosion. The Peppas-Sahlin model indicates that Fickian diffusion dominated the first 6-7 days, after which polymer relaxation became dominant. At 9 mm/s, Fickian diffusion persisted for up to seven days, whereas at 7 and 8 mm/s, it was limited to the first six days. DISCUSSION: The multilayer system maintains matrix integrity during drug release, preventing initial burst release. Once the mechanism shifts from diffusion to relaxation, no burst is observed. The zero-order model fit confirms that the design reflects a controlled-release profile. CONCLUSION: The strategy demonstrates controlled release without initial burst.