1
|
Chen H, Xue H, Zeng H, Dai M, Tang C, Liu L. 3D printed scaffolds based on hyaluronic acid bioinks for tissue engineering: a review. Biomater Res 2023; 27:137. [PMID: 38142273 DOI: 10.1186/s40824-023-00460-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is widely distributed in human connective tissue, and its unique biological and physicochemical properties and ability to facilitate biological structure repair make it a promising candidate for three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting in the field of tissue regeneration and biomedical engineering. Moreover, HA is an ideal raw material for bioinks in tissue engineering because of its histocompatibility, non-immunogenicity, biodegradability, anti-inflammatory properties, anti-angiogenic properties, and modifiability. Tissue engineering is a multidisciplinary field focusing on in vitro reconstructions of mammalian tissues, such as cartilage tissue engineering, neural tissue engineering, skin tissue engineering, and other areas that require further clinical applications. In this review, we first describe the modification methods, cross-linking methods, and bioprinting strategies for HA and its derivatives as bioinks and then critically discuss the strengths, shortcomings, and feasibility of each method. Subsequently, we reviewed the practical clinical applications and outcomes of HA bioink in 3D bioprinting. Finally, we describe the challenges and opportunities in the development of HA bioink to provide further research references and insights.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Han Chen
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325200, China
- Ningxia Medical University, Ningxia, 750004, China
- Xijing Hospital of Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Huaqian Xue
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325200, China
- Ningxia Medical University, Ningxia, 750004, China
| | - Huanxuan Zeng
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325200, China
| | - Minghai Dai
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325200, China
| | - Chengxuan Tang
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325200, China.
| | - Liangle Liu
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325200, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Torres JE, Meng F, Bhattacharya S, Buno KP, Ahmadzadegan A, Madduri S, Babiak PM, Vlachos PP, Solorio L, Yeo Y, Liu JC. Interpenetrating Networks of Collagen and Hyaluronic Acid That Serve as In Vitro Tissue Models for Assessing Macromolecular Transport. Biomacromolecules 2023; 24:4718-4730. [PMID: 37651737 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.3c00448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
High-fidelity preclinical in vitro tissue models can reduce the failure rate of drugs entering clinical trials. Collagen and hyaluronic acid (HA) are major components of the extracellular matrix of many native tissues and affect therapeutic macromolecule diffusion and recovery through tissues. Although collagen and HA are commonly used in tissue engineering, the physical and mechanical properties of these materials are variable and depend highly on processing conditions. In this study, HA was chemically modified and crosslinked via hydrazone bonds to form interpenetrating networks of crosslinked HA (HAX) with collagen (Col). These networks enabled a wide range of mechanical properties, including stiffness and swellability, and microstructures, such as pore morphology and size, that can better recapitulate diverse tissues. We utilized these interpenetrating ColHAX hydrogels as in vitro tissue models to examine macromolecular transport and recovery for early-stage drug screening. Hydrogel formulations with varying collagen and HAX concentrations imparted different gel properties based on the ratio of collagen to HAX. These gels were stable and swelled up to 170% of their original mass, and the storage moduli of the ColHAX gels increased over an order of magnitude by increasing collagen and HA concentration. Interestingly, when HAX concentration was constant and collagen concentration increased, both the pore size and spatial colocalization of collagen and HA increased. HA in the system dominated the ζ-potentials of the gels. The hydrogel and macromolecule properties impacted the mass transport and recovery of lysozyme, β-lactoglobulin, and bovine serum albumin (BSA) from the ColHAX gels─large molecules were largely impacted by mesh size, whereas small molecules were influenced primarily by electrostatic forces. Overall, the tunable properties demonstrated by the ColHAX hydrogels can be used to mimic different tissues for early-stage assays to understand drug transport and its relationship to matrix properties.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica E Torres
- Davidson School of Chemical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Fanfei Meng
- Department of Industrial and Physical Pharmacy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Sayantan Bhattacharya
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Kevin P Buno
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Adib Ahmadzadegan
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Sathvik Madduri
- Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Paulina M Babiak
- Davidson School of Chemical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Pavlos P Vlachos
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Luis Solorio
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Yoon Yeo
- Department of Industrial and Physical Pharmacy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Julie C Liu
- Davidson School of Chemical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Sekar MP, Suresh S, Zennifer A, Sethuraman S, Sundaramurthi D. Hyaluronic Acid as Bioink and Hydrogel Scaffolds for Tissue Engineering Applications. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2023. [PMID: 37115515 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.3c00299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
Bioprinting is an additive manufacturing technique that focuses on developing living tissue constructs using bioinks. Bioink is crucial in determining the stability of printed patterns, which remains a major challenge in bioprinting. Thus, the choices of bioink composition, modifications, and cross-linking methods are being continuously researched to augment the clinical translation of bioprinted constructs. Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a naturally occurring polysaccharide with the repeating unit of N-acetyl-glucosamine and d-glucuronic acid disaccharides. It is present in the extracellular matrix (ECM) of tissues (skin, cartilage, nerve, muscle, etc.) with a wide range of molecular weights. Due to the nature of its chemical structure, HA could be easily subjected to chemical modifications and cross-linking that would enable better printability and stability. These interesting properties have made HA an ideal choice of bioinks for developing tissue constructs for regenerative medicine applications. In this Review, the physicochemical properties, reaction chemistry involved in various cross-linking strategies, and biomedical applications of HA have been elaborately discussed. Further, the features of HA bioinks, emerging strategies in HA bioink preparations, and their applications in 3D bioprinting have been highlighted. Finally, the current challenges and future perspectives in the clinical translation of HA-based bioinks are outlined.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Muthu Parkkavi Sekar
- Tissue Engineering & Additive Manufacturing (TEAM) Lab, Centre for Nanotechnology & Advanced Biomaterials (CeNTAB), ABCDE Innovation Centre, School of Chemical & Biotechnology, SASTRA Deemed University, Tamil Nadu - 613 401, India
| | - Shruthy Suresh
- Tissue Engineering & Additive Manufacturing (TEAM) Lab, Centre for Nanotechnology & Advanced Biomaterials (CeNTAB), ABCDE Innovation Centre, School of Chemical & Biotechnology, SASTRA Deemed University, Tamil Nadu - 613 401, India
| | - Allen Zennifer
- Tissue Engineering & Additive Manufacturing (TEAM) Lab, Centre for Nanotechnology & Advanced Biomaterials (CeNTAB), ABCDE Innovation Centre, School of Chemical & Biotechnology, SASTRA Deemed University, Tamil Nadu - 613 401, India
| | - Swaminathan Sethuraman
- Tissue Engineering & Additive Manufacturing (TEAM) Lab, Centre for Nanotechnology & Advanced Biomaterials (CeNTAB), ABCDE Innovation Centre, School of Chemical & Biotechnology, SASTRA Deemed University, Tamil Nadu - 613 401, India
| | - Dhakshinamoorthy Sundaramurthi
- Tissue Engineering & Additive Manufacturing (TEAM) Lab, Centre for Nanotechnology & Advanced Biomaterials (CeNTAB), ABCDE Innovation Centre, School of Chemical & Biotechnology, SASTRA Deemed University, Tamil Nadu - 613 401, India
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Hu JJ, Wang M, Lei XX, Jiang YL, Yuan L, Pan ZJ, Lu D, Luo F, Li JH, Tan H. Scarless Healing of Injured Vocal Folds Using an Injectable Hyaluronic Acid-Waterborne Polyurethane Hybrid Hydrogel to Tune Inflammation and Collagen Deposition. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:42827-42840. [PMID: 36121932 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c07225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Vocal fold (VF) scarring results from injury to the unique layered structure and is one of the main reasons for long-lasting dysphonia. A minimally invasive procedure with injectable hydrogels is a promising method for therapy. However, current surgical techniques or standard injectable fillers do not yield satisfactory outcomes. In this work, an injectable hybrid hydrogel consisting of oxide hyaluronic acid and hydrazide-modified waterborne polyurethane emulsion was injected precisely into the injury site and cross-linked in situ by a dynamic hydrazone bond. The prepared hydrogel displays excellent injectability and self-healing ability, showing favorable biocompatibility and biodegradability to facilitate endogenous newborn cell migration and growth for tissue regeneration. With the aim of evaluating the antifibrosis and regeneration capacity of the hybrid hydrogel in the VF scarring model, the morphology and vibration characteristics of VFs, inflammatory response, and healing status were collected. The hybrid hydrogel can decrease the inflammation and increase the ratio of collagen III/collagen I to heal damaged scar-free tissue. Fascinatingly, the mucosal wave oscillations of healing VF by injecting the hybrid hydrogel were vibrated like the normal VF, achieving functional restoration. This work highlights the utility of hybrid hydrogels consisting of synthetic biodegradable waterborne polyurethane emulsions and natural hyaluronic acid as promising biomaterials for scarless healing of damaged VFs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juan-Juan Hu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Min Wang
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Xiong-Xin Lei
- Laboratory of Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering, Orthopedic Research Institute, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Yan-Lin Jiang
- Laboratory of Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering, Orthopedic Research Institute, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Lei Yuan
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Zhong-Jing Pan
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Dan Lu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Feng Luo
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Jie-Hua Li
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Hong Tan
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Wu J, Wang J, Han Y, Lin Y, Wang J, Bu M. Synthesis and Cytotoxic Activity of Novel Betulin Derivatives Containing Hydrazide-Hydrazone Moieties. Nat Prod Commun 2021. [DOI: 10.1177/1934578x211055345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
A series of novel betulin derivatives containing hydrazide-hydrazone moieties were synthesized. All compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxicity against four human carcinoma cell lines (HepG2, A549, MCF-7 and HCT-116) and a normal human gastric epithelial cell line (GES-1). Among them, compound 6i was the most potent against HepG2 and MCF-7 cell lines, with IC50 values of 9.27 and 8.87 μM, respectively. The results suggest that the incorporation of a hydrazide-hydrazone side chain at the C-28 position of betulin is beneficial for compounds to display significant cytotoxicity. Compound 6i may be used as a promising skeleton for antitumor agents with improved efficacy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiale Wu
- College of Pharmacy, Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar, China
| | - Jiafeng Wang
- College of Pharmacy, Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar, China
| | - Yinglong Han
- College of Pharmacy, Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar, China
| | - Yu Lin
- College of Pharmacy, Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar, China
| | - Jing Wang
- College of Pharmacy, Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar, China
| | - Ming Bu
- College of Pharmacy, Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Ding Y, Li Z, Hu W, Feng X, Chen Y, Yan G, Wang Y, Zhu B, Yao W, Zheng L, He M, Gao M, Zhao J. Carbazate-modified cross-linked dextran microparticles suppress the progression of osteoarthritis by ROS scavenging. Biomater Sci 2021; 9:6236-6250. [PMID: 34365495 DOI: 10.1039/d1bm00743b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
A series of modified polysaccharide microparticles have been fabricated and their potential application for scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS) and their derivatives to achieve osteoarthritis (OA) treatment has been explored. These microparticles were cross-linked dextran (Sephadex) with different carbazate substitution ratios determined by the TNBS assay and elemental analysis. It has been demonstrated that they could effectively scavenge carbonylated proteins and ROS including hydroxyl radicals (˙OH), superoxide anions (˙O2-) and H2O2 and their derivatives with high efficiency, improve the viability of H2O2-treated chondrocytes by reducing their ROS levels, as well as lower their inflammatory factors. The above ability of antioxidation and inflammation resistance improved with the increase of carbazate substitution ratio. Significantly, this work provided the proof that modified Sephadex successfully alleviated the deterioration of cartilage and the progression of OA in vivo. The proposed microparticles showed a very promising capability for reducing ROS levels and further treating OA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanfeng Ding
- Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomedicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China. .,Guangxi Engineering Center in Biomedical Materials for Tissue and Organ Regeneration, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Zhimin Li
- Guangxi Engineering Center in Biomedical Materials for Tissue and Organ Regeneration, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China.,Division of Spine Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China.
| | - Wenwen Hu
- Life Sciences Institute, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Xianjing Feng
- Pharmaceutical College, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Ying Chen
- Life Sciences Institute, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Guohua Yan
- Guangxi Engineering Center in Biomedical Materials for Tissue and Organ Regeneration, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China.,Department of Orthopaedics Trauma and Hand Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Yonglin Wang
- Guangxi Engineering Center in Biomedical Materials for Tissue and Organ Regeneration, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Bo Zhu
- Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomedicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China. .,Guangxi Engineering Center in Biomedical Materials for Tissue and Organ Regeneration, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Wei Yao
- Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomedicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China. .,Guangxi Engineering Center in Biomedical Materials for Tissue and Organ Regeneration, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Li Zheng
- Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomedicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China. .,Guangxi Engineering Center in Biomedical Materials for Tissue and Organ Regeneration, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Maolin He
- Division of Spine Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China.
| | - Ming Gao
- Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomedicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China. .,Guangxi Engineering Center in Biomedical Materials for Tissue and Organ Regeneration, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Jinmin Zhao
- Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomedicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China. .,Guangxi Engineering Center in Biomedical Materials for Tissue and Organ Regeneration, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China.,Department of Orthopaedics Trauma and Hand Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China.,Guangxi Key Liboratory of Regenerative Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Park JR, Bolle ECL, Santos Cavalcanti AD, Podevyn A, Van Guyse JFR, Forget A, Hoogenboom R, Dargaville TR. Injectable biocompatible poly(2-oxazoline) hydrogels by strain promoted alkyne-azide cycloaddition. Biointerphases 2021; 16:011001. [PMID: 33401918 DOI: 10.1116/6.0000630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Poly(2-alkyl-2-oxazoline) (PAOx) hydrogels are tailorable synthetic materials with demonstrated biomedical applications, thanks to their excellent biocompatibility and tunable properties. However, their use as injectable hydrogels is challenging as it requires invasive surgical procedures to insert the formed hydrogel into the body due to their nonsoluble 3D network structures. Herein, we introduce cyclooctyne and azide functional side chains to poly(2-oxazoline) copolymers to induce in situ gelation using strain promoted alkyne-azide cycloaddition. The gelation occurs rapidly, within 5 min, under physiological conditions when two polymer solutions are simply mixed. The influence of several parameters, such as temperature and different aqueous solutions, and stoichiometric ratios between the two polymers on the structural properties of the resultant hydrogels have been investigated. The gel formation within tissue samples was verified by subcutaneous injection of the polymer solution into an ex vivo model. The degradation study of the hydrogels in vitro showed that the degradation rate was highly dependent on the type of media, ranging from days to a month. This result opens up the potential uses of PAOx hydrogels in attempts to achieve optimal, injectable drug delivery systems and tissue engineering.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jong-Ryul Park
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Science and Engineering Faculty, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4001, Australia
| | - Eleonore C L Bolle
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Science and Engineering Faculty, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4001, Australia
| | - Amanda Dos Santos Cavalcanti
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Science and Engineering Faculty, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4001, Australia
| | - Annelore Podevyn
- Supramolecular Chemistry Group, Centre of Macromolecular Chemistry (CMaC), Department of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281 S4, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Joachim F R Van Guyse
- Supramolecular Chemistry Group, Centre of Macromolecular Chemistry (CMaC), Department of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281 S4, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Aurelien Forget
- Institute for Macromolecular Chemistry, University of Freiburg, Stefan-Meier-St. 31, Freiburg, 79104, Germany
| | - Richard Hoogenboom
- Supramolecular Chemistry Group, Centre of Macromolecular Chemistry (CMaC), Department of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281 S4, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Tim R Dargaville
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Science and Engineering Faculty, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4001, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Burns MWN, Mattrey RF, Lux J. Microbubbles Cloaked with Hydrogels as Activatable Ultrasound Contrast Agents. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2020; 12:52298-52306. [PMID: 33170637 PMCID: PMC8574208 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.0c12043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Microbubbles (MBs) are optimal ultrasound contrast agents because their unique acoustic response allows for exquisite sensitivity in vivo. This unique response is derived from MBs' elasticity that allows them to oscillate differently from surrounding tissues. While the main use of MBs in the clinic is for cardiac and perfusion imaging, imparting MBs with bioresponsive properties would expand their use to detect pathophysiologic changes. This can be achieved by damping MBs' oscillations to silence their signal and rescuing it when they encounter the biomarker of interest to improve detection and specificity of diseases such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Here, we demonstrate that conjugating perfluorobutane-filled MBs with hyaluronic acid (HA) and cross-linking HA with biodegradable linkers eliminates harmonic signal because of increased MB stiffness and decreased oscillation. In this proof-of-concept study, we used a reversible pH-sensitive cross-linker to establish and validate this targeted and activatable pH-sensitive MB (pH-MB) platform. Conjugation of HA to MBs and targeting of pH-MBs to CD44-positive cells were validated. Harmonic signal loss due to stiffening of pH-MBs' shell was confirmed using a clinical ultrasound scanner equipped with Cadence contrast pulse sequencing. pH-MBs imaged before and after acidification increased harmonic signal fivefold. Because the cleavage of the cross-linker we used is reversible, harmonic signal was silenced again when the acidic suspension was neutralized, confirming that harmonic signal is dependent on the cross-linked HA. The rate of rise and the magnitude of harmonic signal increase could be manipulated by varying the phospholipid composition and the number of HA cross-linkers, indicating that the platform can be tuned to the desired response needed. In this study, we established the feasibility of using targeted and activatable MBs and plan to apply this platform to aid in the diagnosis and management of patients with DVT and potentially other conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mary W N Burns
- Department of Radiology, Translational Research in Ultrasound Theranostics (TRUST) Program, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, United States
- Biochemistry Graduate Program, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, United States
| | - Robert F Mattrey
- Department of Radiology, Translational Research in Ultrasound Theranostics (TRUST) Program, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, United States
- Advanced Imaging Research Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, United States
| | - Jacques Lux
- Department of Radiology, Translational Research in Ultrasound Theranostics (TRUST) Program, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, United States
- Biomedical Engineering Graduate Program, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas 75390, United States
- Organic Chemistry Graduate Program, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, United States
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Xiang J, Shen L, Hong Y. Status and future scope of hydrogels in wound healing: Synthesis, materials and evaluation. Eur Polym J 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2020.109609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
|