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Pawelec KM, Schoborg TA, Shapiro EM. Computed tomography technologies to measure key structural features of polymeric biomedical implants from bench to bedside. J Biomed Mater Res A 2024; 112:1893-1901. [PMID: 38728118 PMCID: PMC11368623 DOI: 10.1002/jbm.a.37735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
Implanted polymeric devices, designed to encourage tissue regeneration, require porosity. However, characterizing porosity, which affects many functional device properties, is non-trivial. Computed tomography (CT) is a quick, versatile, and non-destructive way to gain 3D structural information, yet various CT technologies, such as benchtop, preclinical and clinical systems, all have different capabilities. As system capabilities determine the structural information that can be obtained, seamless monitoring of key device features through all stages of clinical translation must be engineered intentionally. Therefore, in this study we tested feasibility of obtaining structural information in pre-clinical systems and high-resolution micro-CT (μCT) under physiological conditions. To overcome the low CT contrast of polymers in hydrated environments, radiopaque nanoparticle contrast agent was incorporated into porous devices. The size of resolved features in porous structures is highly dependent on the resolution (voxel size) of the scan. As the voxel size of the CT scan increased (lower resolution) from 5 to 50 μm, the measured pore size was overestimated, and percentage porosity was underestimated by nearly 50%. With the homogeneous introduction of nanoparticles, changes to device structure could be quantified in the hydrated state, including at high-resolution. Biopolymers had significant structural changes post-hydration, including a mean increase of 130% in pore wall thickness that could potentially impact biological response. By incorporating imaging capabilities into polymeric devices, CT can be a facile way to monitor devices from initial design stages through to clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kendell M Pawelec
- Michigan State University, Dept Radiology, East Lansing, MI 48824
- Institute for Quantitative Health Sciences and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Todd A Schoborg
- University of Wyoming, Dept of Molecular Biology, Laramie, WY 82071
| | - Erik M Shapiro
- Michigan State University, Dept Radiology, East Lansing, MI 48824
- Institute for Quantitative Health Sciences and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
- Michigan State University, Dept of Physiology, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
- Michigan State University, Dept of Chemical Engineering and Material Science, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
- Michigan State University, Dept of Biomedical Engineering, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
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Pawelec KM, Hix JML, Troia A, MacRenaris KW, Kiupel M, Shapiro EM. In vivo micro-computed tomography evaluation of radiopaque, polymeric device degradation in normal and inflammatory environments. Acta Biomater 2024; 181:222-234. [PMID: 38648912 PMCID: PMC11144086 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2024.04.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Polymeric biomedical implants are an important clinical tool, but degradation remains difficult to determine post-implantation. Computed tomography (CT) could be a powerful tool for device monitoring, but polymers require incorporation of radiopaque contrast agents to be distinguishable from tissue. In addition, immune response to radiopaque devices must be characterized as it modulates device function. Radiopaque devices and films were produced by incorporating 0-20 wt% TaOx nanoparticles into polymers: polycaprolactone (PCL) and poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA). In vitro inflammatory responses of mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages to polymer matrix incorporating TaOx nanoparticles was determined by monitoring cytokine secretion. Nanoparticle addition stimulated a slight inflammatory reaction, increasing TNFα secretion, mediated by changes in polymer matrix properties. Subsequently, devices (PLGA 50:50 + 20 wt% TaOx) were implanted subcutaneously in a mouse model of chronic inflammation, that featured a sustained increase in inflammatory response local to the implant site over 12 weeks. No changes to device degradation rates or foreign body response were noted between a normal and chronically stimulated inflammatory environment. Serial CT device monitoring post-implantation provided a detailed timeline of device collapse, with no rapid, spontaneous release of nanoparticles that occluded matrix visualization. Importantly, repeat CT sessions did not ablate the immune system or alter degradation kinetics. Thus, polymer devices incorporating radiopaque nanoparticles can be used for in situ monitoring and be readily combined with other medical imaging techniques, for a dynamic view biomaterial and tissue interactions. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: A growing number of implantable devices are in use in the clinic, exposing patients to inherent risks of implant movement, collapse, and infection. The ability to monitor implanted devices would enable faster diagnosis of failure and open the door for personalized rehabilitation therapies - both of which could vastly improve patient outcomes. Unfortunately, polymeric materials which make up most biomedical devices are not radiologically distinguishable from tissue post-implantation. The introduction of radiopaque nanoparticles into polymers allows for serial monitoring via computed tomography, without affecting device degradation. Here we demonstrate for the first time that nanoparticles do not undergo burst release from devices post-implantation and that inflammatory responses - a key determinant of device function in vivo - are also unaffected by nanoparticle addition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kendell M Pawelec
- Department of Radiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; Institute for Quantitative Health Sciences and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA.
| | - Jeremy M L Hix
- Department of Radiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; Institute for Quantitative Health Sciences and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Arianna Troia
- Department of Radiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Keith W MacRenaris
- Quantitative Bio Element Analysis and Mapping (QBEAM) Center, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Matti Kiupel
- Department of Pathobiology and Diagnostic Investigation, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Erik M Shapiro
- Department of Radiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; Institute for Quantitative Health Sciences and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; Department of Physiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; Department of Chemical Engineering and Material Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA.
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Delemeester M, Pawelec KM, Hix JML, Siegenthaler JR, Lissy M, Douek P, Houmeau A, Si-Mohamed S, Shapiro EM. Device Design and Diagnostic Imaging of Radiopaque 3D Printed Tissue Engineering Scaffolds. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.26.582070. [PMID: 38464166 PMCID: PMC10925229 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.26.582070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
3D printed biomaterial implants are revolutionizing personalized medicine for tissue repair, especially in orthopedics. In this study, a radiopaque Bi 2 O 3 doped polycaprolactone ( PCL ) composite is developed and implemented to enable the use of diagnostic X-ray technologies, especially photon counting X-ray computed tomography ( PCCT ), for comprehensive in vivo device monitoring. PCL filament with homogeneous Bi 2 O 3 nanoparticle ( NP ) dispersion (0.8 to 11.7 wt%) are first fabricated. Tissue engineered scaffolds ( TES ) are then 3D printed with the composite filament, optimizing printing parameters for small feature size and severely overhung geometries. These composite TES are characterized via micro-computed tomography ( µ CT ), tensile testing, and a cytocompatibility study, with Bi 2 O 3 mass fractions as low as 2 wt% providing excellent radiographic distinguishability, improved tensile properties, and equivalent cytocompatibility of neat PCL. The excellent radiographic distinguishability is validated in situ by imaging 4 and 7 wt% TES in a mouse model with µCT, showing excellent agreement with in vitro measurements. Subsequently, CT image-derived swine menisci are 3D printed with composite filament and re-implanted in their corresponding swine legs ex vivo . Re-imaging the swine legs via clinical CT allows facile identification of device location and alignment. Finally, the emergent technology of PCCT unambiguously distinguishes implanted menisci in situ.
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Flechas Becerra C, Barrios Silva LV, Ahmed E, Bear JC, Feng Z, Chau DY, Parker SG, Halligan S, Lythgoe MF, Stuckey DJ, Patrick PS. X-Ray Visible Protein Scaffolds by Bulk Iodination. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2306246. [PMID: 38145968 PMCID: PMC10933627 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202306246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
Protein-based biomaterial use is expanding within medicine, together with the demand to visualize their placement and behavior in vivo. However, current medical imaging techniques struggle to differentiate between protein-based implants and surrounding tissue. Here a fast, simple, and translational solution for tracking transplanted protein-based scaffolds is presented using X-ray CT-facilitating long-term, non-invasive, and high-resolution imaging. X-ray visible scaffolds are engineered by selectively iodinating tyrosine residues under mild conditions using readily available reagents. To illustrate translatability, a clinically approved hernia repair mesh (based on decellularized porcine dermis) is labeled, preserving morphological and mechanical properties. In a mouse model of mesh implantation, implants retain marked X-ray contrast up to 3 months, together with an unchanged degradation rate and inflammatory response. The technique's compatibility is demonstrated with a range of therapeutically relevant protein formats including bovine, porcine, and jellyfish collagen, as well as silk sutures, enabling a wide range of surgical and regenerative medicine uses. This solution tackles the challenge of visualizing implanted protein-based biomaterials, which conventional imaging methods fail to differentiate from endogenous tissue. This will address previously unanswered questions regarding the accuracy of implantation, degradation rate, migration, and structural integrity, thereby accelerating optimization and safe translation of therapeutic biomaterials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Flechas Becerra
- Centre for Advanced Biomedical ImagingDivision of MedicineUniversity College LondonPaul O'Gorman Building, 72 Huntley StreetLondonWC1E 6DDUK
| | - Lady V. Barrios Silva
- Division of Biomaterials and Tissue EngineeringEastman Dental InstituteUniversity College LondonRoyal Free HospitalRowland Hill StreetLondonNW3 2PFUK
| | - Ebtehal Ahmed
- Centre for Advanced Biomedical ImagingDivision of MedicineUniversity College LondonPaul O'Gorman Building, 72 Huntley StreetLondonWC1E 6DDUK
| | - Joseph C. Bear
- School of Life SciencePharmacy & ChemistryKingston UniversityPenrhyn RoadKingston upon ThamesKT1 2EEUK
| | - Zhiping Feng
- Centre for Advanced Biomedical ImagingDivision of MedicineUniversity College LondonPaul O'Gorman Building, 72 Huntley StreetLondonWC1E 6DDUK
| | - David Y.S. Chau
- Division of Biomaterials and Tissue EngineeringEastman Dental InstituteUniversity College LondonRoyal Free HospitalRowland Hill StreetLondonNW3 2PFUK
| | - Samuel G. Parker
- Centre for Medical Imaging, Division of MedicineUniversity College London UCLCharles Bell House, 43–45 Foley StreetLondonW1W 7TSUK
| | - Steve Halligan
- Centre for Medical Imaging, Division of MedicineUniversity College London UCLCharles Bell House, 43–45 Foley StreetLondonW1W 7TSUK
| | - Mark F. Lythgoe
- Centre for Advanced Biomedical ImagingDivision of MedicineUniversity College LondonPaul O'Gorman Building, 72 Huntley StreetLondonWC1E 6DDUK
| | - Daniel J. Stuckey
- Centre for Advanced Biomedical ImagingDivision of MedicineUniversity College LondonPaul O'Gorman Building, 72 Huntley StreetLondonWC1E 6DDUK
| | - P. Stephen Patrick
- Centre for Advanced Biomedical ImagingDivision of MedicineUniversity College LondonPaul O'Gorman Building, 72 Huntley StreetLondonWC1E 6DDUK
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Trucillo P. Biomaterials for Drug Delivery and Human Applications. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 17:456. [PMID: 38255624 PMCID: PMC10817481 DOI: 10.3390/ma17020456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Biomaterials embody a groundbreaking paradigm shift in the field of drug delivery and human applications. Their versatility and adaptability have not only enriched therapeutic outcomes but also significantly reduced the burden of adverse effects. This work serves as a comprehensive overview of biomaterials, with a particular emphasis on their pivotal role in drug delivery, classifying them in terms of their biobased, biodegradable, and biocompatible nature, and highlighting their characteristics and advantages. The examination also delves into the extensive array of applications for biomaterials in drug delivery, encompassing diverse medical fields such as cancer therapy, cardiovascular diseases, neurological disorders, and vaccination. This work also explores the actual challenges within this domain, including potential toxicity and the complexity of manufacturing processes. These challenges emphasize the necessity for thorough research and the continuous development of regulatory frameworks. The second aim of this review is to navigate through the compelling terrain of recent advances and prospects in biomaterials, envisioning a healthcare landscape where they empower precise, targeted, and personalized drug delivery. The potential for biomaterials to transform healthcare is staggering, as they promise treatments tailored to individual patient needs, offering hope for improved therapeutic efficacy, fewer side effects, and a brighter future for medical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Trucillo
- Department of Chemical, Materials and Industrial Production Engineering, University of Naples Federico II, Piazzale V. Tecchio, 80, 80125 Naples, Italy
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Pawelec KM, Hix JML, Shapiro EM. Functional attachment of primary neurons and glia on radiopaque implantable biomaterials for nerve repair. NANOMEDICINE : NANOTECHNOLOGY, BIOLOGY, AND MEDICINE 2023; 52:102692. [PMID: 37328139 PMCID: PMC10527527 DOI: 10.1016/j.nano.2023.102692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Repairing peripheral nerve injuries remains a challenge, even with use of auxiliary implantable biomaterial conduits. After implantation the location or function of polymeric devices cannot be assessed via clinical imaging modalities. Adding nanoparticle contrast agents into polymers can introduce radiopacity enabling imaging using computed tomography. Radiopacity must be balanced with changes in material properties impacting device function. In this study radiopaque composites were made from polycaprolactone and poly(lactide-co-glycolide) 50:50 and 85:15 with 0-40 wt% tantalum oxide (TaOx) nanoparticles. To achieve radiopacity, ≥5 wt% TaOx was required, with ≥20 wt% TaOx reducing mechanical properties and causing nanoscale surface roughness. Composite films facilitated nerve regeneration in an in vitro co-culture of adult glia and neurons, measured by markers for myelination. The ability of radiopaque films to support regeneration was driven by the properties of the polymer, with 5-20 wt% TaOx balancing imaging functionality with biological response and proving that in situ monitoring is feasible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kendell M Pawelec
- Michigan State University, Dept Radiology, East Lansing, MI 48823, United States of America.
| | - Jeremy M L Hix
- Michigan State University, Dept Radiology, East Lansing, MI 48823, United States of America; Michigan State University, Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering (IQ), East Lansing, MI 48823, United States of America
| | - Erik M Shapiro
- Michigan State University, Dept Radiology, East Lansing, MI 48823, United States of America.
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