1
|
Fuchs S, Caserto JS, Liu Q, Wang K, Shariati K, Hartquist CM, Zhao X, Ma M. A Glucose-Responsive Cannula for Automated and Electronics-Free Insulin Delivery. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2403594. [PMID: 38639424 PMCID: PMC11223976 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202403594] [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: 03/10/2024] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Automated delivery of insulin based on continuous glucose monitoring is revolutionizing the way insulin-dependent diabetes is treated. However, challenges remain for the widespread adoption of these systems, including the requirement of a separate glucose sensor, sophisticated electronics and algorithms, and the need for significant user input to operate these costly therapies. Herein, a user-centric glucose-responsive cannula is reported for electronics-free insulin delivery. The cannula-made from a tough, elastomer-hydrogel hybrid membrane formed through a one-pot solvent exchange method-changes permeability to release insulin rapidly upon physiologically relevant varying glucose levels, providing simple and automated insulin delivery with no additional hardware or software. Two prototypes of the cannula are evaluated in insulin-deficient diabetic mice. The first cannula-an ends-sealed, subcutaneously inserted prototype-normalizes blood glucose levels for 3 d and controls postprandial glucose levels. The second, more translational version-a cannula with the distal end sealed and the proximal end connected to a transcutaneous injection port-likewise demonstrates tight, 3-d regulation of blood glucose levels when refilled twice daily. This proof-of-concept study may aid in the development of "smart" cannulas and next-generation insulin therapies at a reduced burden-of-care toll and cost to end-users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Fuchs
- Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Julia S. Caserto
- Robert Frederick Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca NY, 14853, USA
| | - Qingsheng Liu
- Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Kecheng Wang
- Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Kaavian Shariati
- Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Chase M. Hartquist
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Xuanhe Zhao
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Minglin Ma
- Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Einstein SA, Steyn LV, Weegman BP, Suszynski TM, Sambanis A, O'Brien TD, Avgoustiniatos ES, Firpo MT, Graham ML, Janecek J, Eberly LE, Garwood M, Putnam CW, Papas KK. Hypoxia within subcutaneously implanted macroencapsulation devices limits the viability and functionality of densely loaded islets. FRONTIERS IN TRANSPLANTATION 2023; 2:1257029. [PMID: 38993891 PMCID: PMC11235299 DOI: 10.3389/frtra.2023.1257029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
Introduction Subcutaneous macroencapsulation devices circumvent disadvantages of intraportal islet therapy. However, a curative dose of islets within reasonably sized devices requires dense cell packing. We measured internal PO2 of implanted devices, mathematically modeled oxygen availability within devices and tested the predictions with implanted devices containing densely packed human islets. Methods Partial pressure of oxygen (PO2) within implanted empty devices was measured by noninvasive 19F-MRS. A mathematical model was constructed, predicting internal PO2, viability and functionality of densely packed islets as a function of external PO2. Finally, viability was measured by oxygen consumption rate (OCR) in day 7 explants loaded at various islet densities. Results In empty devices, PO2 was 12 mmHg or lower, despite successful external vascularization. Devices loaded with human islets implanted for 7 days, then explanted and assessed by OCR confirmed trends proffered by the model but viability was substantially lower than predicted. Co-localization of insulin and caspase-3 immunostaining suggested that apoptosis contributed to loss of beta cells. Discussion Measured PO2 within empty devices declined during the first few days post-transplant then modestly increased with neovascularization around the device. Viability of islets is inversely related to islet density within devices.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samuel A Einstein
- Center for Magnetic Resonance Research, Department of Radiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
- Department of Radiology, The Pennsylvania State University, Hershey, PA, United States
| | - Leah V Steyn
- Department of Surgery, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Bradley P Weegman
- Center for Magnetic Resonance Research, Department of Radiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
- Sylvatica Biotech Inc., North Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Thomas M Suszynski
- Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Athanassios Sambanis
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Timothy D O'Brien
- Veterinary Population Medicine Department, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN, United States
- Department of Medicine, Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | | | - Meri T Firpo
- Department of Medicine, Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Melanie L Graham
- Veterinary Population Medicine Department, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN, United States
- Department of Surgery, Preclinical Research Center, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN, United States
| | - Jody Janecek
- Department of Surgery, Preclinical Research Center, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN, United States
| | - Lynn E Eberly
- Division of Biostatistics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Michael Garwood
- Center for Magnetic Resonance Research, Department of Radiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Charles W Putnam
- Department of Surgery, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Klearchos K Papas
- Department of Surgery, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Gao D, Ernst AU, Wang X, Wang L, Liu W, Ma M. Engineering a Hierarchical Biphasic Gel for Subcutaneous Vascularization. Adv Healthc Mater 2022; 11:e2200922. [PMID: 35894816 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202200922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2022] [Revised: 07/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Implanted cell-containing grafts require a robust and functional vasculature to supply oxygen and nutrients, as well as clear metabolic waste products. However, it remains challenging to fabricate tunable, vascular-promoting scaffolds without incorporating additional biologics. Here, a biphasic gel consisting of a highly porous aerogel and a degradable fibrin hydrogel for inducing vascularization is presented. The highly porous (>90%) and stable aerogel is assembled from short microfibers by being dispersed in an aqueous solution that can be 3D printed into various configurations. The biphasic gel demonstrates good compression-resistance: 70.30% Young's modulus is recovered over 20 cycles of 65% compression under water. Furthermore, it is confirmed that tissue cells and blood vessels can penetrate a thick (≈3 mm) biphasic gel in the subcutaneous space of mice. Finally, the biphasic gel doubles the vascular ingrowth compared to a composite of a commercial surgical polyester felt and a fibrin hydrogel upon subcutaneous implantation in mice after 4 weeks. The design of this biphasic gel may advance the development of vascularized scaffolds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daqian Gao
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Alexander U Ernst
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Xi Wang
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Longhai Wang
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Wanjun Liu
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA.,Key Laboratory of Textile Science & Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Textiles, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Minglin Ma
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Kim S, Kim K. Lipid-mediated ex vivo cell surface engineering for augmented cellular functionalities. BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES 2022; 140:213059. [PMID: 35961186 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioadv.2022.213059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 07/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Once administrated, intercellular adhesion to recognize and/or arrest target cells is essential for specific treatments, especially for cancer or tumor. However, immune cells administrated into the tumor-microenvironment could lose their intrinsic functionalities such as target recognition ability, resulting in an ineffective cancer immunotherapy. Various manipulation techniques for decorating functional moieties onto cell surface and enhancing target recognition have been developed. A hydrophobic interaction-mediated ex-vivo cell surface engineering using lipid-based biomaterials could be a state-of-the-art engineering technique that could achieve high-efficiency cell surface modification by a single method without disturbance of intrinsic characteristics of cells. In this regard, this review provides design principles for the development of lipid-based biomaterials with a linear structure of lipid, polyethylene glycol, and functional group, strategies for the synthesis process, and their practical applications in biomedical engineering. Especially, we provide new insights into the development of a novel surface coating techniques for natural killer (NK) cells with engineering decoration of cancer targeting moieties on their cell surfaces. Among immune cells, NK cells are interesting cell population for substituting T cells because of their excellent safety and independent anticancer efficacy. Thus, optimal strategies to select cancer-type-specific targeting moieties and present them onto the surface of immune cells (especially, NK cells) using lipid-based biomaterials could provide additional tools to capture cancer cells for developing novel immune cell therapy products. Enhanced anticancer efficacies by surface-engineered NK cells have been demonstrated both in vitro and in vivo. Therefore, it could be speculated that recent progresses in cell surface modification technology via lipid-based biomaterials could strengthen immune surveillance and immune synapses for utilization in a next-generation cancer immunotherapy, beyond currently available genetic engineering tool such as chimeric antigen receptor-mediated immune cell modulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sungjun Kim
- Department of Chemical & Biochemical Engineering, Dongguk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyobum Kim
- Department of Chemical & Biochemical Engineering, Dongguk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Zhang J, Xu J, Lim J, Nolan JK, Lee H, Lee CH. Wearable Glucose Monitoring and Implantable Drug Delivery Systems for Diabetes Management. Adv Healthc Mater 2021; 10:e2100194. [PMID: 33930258 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202100194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The global cost of diabetes care exceeds $1 trillion each year with more than $327 billion being spent in the United States alone. Despite some of the advances in diabetes care including continuous glucose monitoring systems and insulin pumps, the technology associated with managing diabetes has largely remained unchanged over the past several decades. With the rise of wearable electronics and novel functional materials, the field is well-poised for the next generation of closed-loop diabetes care. Wearable glucose sensors implanted within diverse platforms including skin or on-tooth tattoos, skin-mounted patches, eyeglasses, contact lenses, fabrics, mouthguards, and pacifiers have enabled noninvasive, unobtrusive, and real-time analysis of glucose excursions in ambulatory care settings. These wearable glucose sensors can be integrated with implantable drug delivery systems, including an insulin pump, glucose responsive insulin release implant, and islets transplantation, to form self-regulating closed-loop systems. This review article encompasses the emerging trends and latest innovations of wearable glucose monitoring and implantable insulin delivery technologies for diabetes management with a focus on their advanced materials and construction. Perspectives on the current unmet challenges of these strategies are also discussed to motivate future technological development toward improved patient care in diabetes management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jinyuan Zhang
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering Purdue University West Lafayette IN 47907 USA
| | - Jian Xu
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering Purdue University West Lafayette IN 47907 USA
| | - Jongcheon Lim
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering Purdue University West Lafayette IN 47907 USA
| | - James K. Nolan
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering Purdue University West Lafayette IN 47907 USA
| | - Hyowon Lee
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering Purdue University West Lafayette IN 47907 USA
| | - Chi Hwan Lee
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering Purdue University West Lafayette IN 47907 USA
- School of Mechanical Engineering School of Materials Engineering Purdue University West Lafayette IN 47907 USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Ghasemi A, Akbari E, Imani R. An Overview of Engineered Hydrogel-Based Biomaterials for Improved β-Cell Survival and Insulin Secretion. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2021; 9:662084. [PMID: 34513805 PMCID: PMC8427138 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2021.662084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Islet transplantation provides a promising strategy in treating type 1 diabetes as an autoimmune disease, in which damaged β-cells are replaced with new islets in a minimally invasive procedure. Although islet transplantation avoids the complications associated with whole pancreas transplantations, its clinical applications maintain significant drawbacks, including long-term immunosuppression, a lack of compatible donors, and blood-mediated inflammatory responses. Biomaterial-assisted islet transplantation is an emerging technology that embeds desired cells into biomaterials, which are then directly transplanted into the patient, overcoming the aforementioned challenges. Among various biomaterials, hydrogels are the preferred biomaterial of choice in these transplants due to their ECM-like structure and tunable properties. This review aims to present a comprehensive overview of hydrogel-based biomaterials that are engineered for encapsulation of insulin-secreting cells, focusing on new hydrogel design and modification strategies to improve β-cell viability, decrease inflammatory responses, and enhance insulin secretion. We will discuss the current status of clinical studies using therapeutic bioengineering hydrogels in insulin release and prospective approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Rana Imani
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Amirkabir University of Technology (Tehran Polytechnic), Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|