Design and fabrication of clinically relevant polymer-based stents for chronic rhinosinusitis.

The project aims to develop a novel stenting approach for the surgical treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis. Stenting is advantageous as it can restore sinus aeration and prevent the closure of the treated region after surgery. Currently, a commercially available nitinol woven stent with silicone covering is used. Starting from the design of this stent as a basis, we aim to create a novel stent that addresses its shortcomings by: (1) Fabrication of the stent by 3D printing, which would allow the creation of patient-adapted designs when necessary for a perfect alignment with the surrounding tissue; (2) Utilization of a novel, biodegradable polymer as the stent material, which would guide healthy wound healing without the need for its removal; (3) Immobilization of relevant anti-inflammatory compounds on the outside surface of the stent that will be slowly released as the stent degrades to stimulate normal wound healing and prevent inflammation and biofilm formation; (4) Development of a new cellular lining (epithelium) formed from autologous cells seeded on a cell-interactive membrane that will line the inner surface of the stent to prevent scarring or recurrence of inflammation. The final goal of the project is to combine these features into one single stent: the inside surface will be covered with the new epithelium while the outside surface will provide mechanical stability and a beneficial environment to promote wound healing.