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Sebastian JA, Strohm EM, Baranger J, Villemain O, Kolios MC, Simmons CA. Assessing engineered tissues and biomaterials using ultrasound imaging: In vitro and in vivo applications. Biomaterials 2023; 296:122054. [PMID: 36842239 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2023.122054] [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: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
Quantitative assessment of the structural, functional, and mechanical properties of engineered tissues and biomaterials is fundamental to their development for regenerative medicine applications. Ultrasound (US) imaging is a non-invasive, non-destructive, and cost-effective technique capable of longitudinal and quantitative monitoring of tissue structure and function across centimeter to sub-micron length scales. Here we present the fundamentals of US to contextualize its application for the assessment of biomaterials and engineered tissues, both in vivo and in vitro. We review key studies that demonstrate the versatility and broad capabilities of US for clinical and pre-clinical biomaterials research. Finally, we highlight emerging techniques that further extend the applications of US, including for ultrafast imaging of biomaterials and engineered tissues in vivo and functional monitoring of stem cells, organoids, and organ-on-a-chip systems in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph A Sebastian
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Translational Biology and Engineering Program, Ted Rogers Center for Heart Research, Toronto, Canada.
| | - Eric M Strohm
- Translational Biology and Engineering Program, Ted Rogers Center for Heart Research, Toronto, Canada; Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Jérôme Baranger
- Labatt Family Heart Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Olivier Villemain
- Labatt Family Heart Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Michael C Kolios
- Department of Physics, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Canada; Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Technology (iBEST), A Partnership Between Toronto Metropolitan University and St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Canada; Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Canada
| | - Craig A Simmons
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Translational Biology and Engineering Program, Ted Rogers Center for Heart Research, Toronto, Canada; Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
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Meng X, Yi Y, Meng Y, Lv G, Jiang X, Wu Y, Yang W, Yao Y, Xu H, Bu W. Self-Enhanced Acoustic Impedance Difference Strategy for Detecting the Acidic Tumor Microenvironment. ACS NANO 2022; 16:4217-4227. [PMID: 35254050 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.1c10173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
B-mode ultrasound imaging is a significant anatomic technique in clinic, which can display the anatomic variation in tissues. However, it is difficult to evaluate the functional state of organs and display the physiological information in organisms such as the tumor acidic microenvironment (TME). Herein, inspired by the phenomenon of sonographic acoustic shadow during detecting calculus in clinic, a strategy of self-enhanced acoustic impedance difference is proposed to monitor the acidic TME. BiF3@PDA@PEG (BPP) nanoparticles can self-aggregate in a specific response to the acidic TME to form huge "stones" BiF3@PDA, resulting in an increase of local tumor density, and further causing a significant acoustic impedance difference. In in vitro experiments, the enhanced ultrasound signals change from 15.2 to 196.4 dB, which can discriminate different pH values from 7.0 to 5.0, and the sensitivity can reach to 0.2 value. In in vivo experiments, the enhanced ultrasound signal is 107.7 dB after BPP self-aggregated, displaying the weak acidic TME that has a close relationship with the size and species of the tumor. More importantly, the accuracy is away from the interference of pressure because huge "stones" BiF3@PDA change little. However, SonoVue microbubbles will diffuse and rupture under pressure, which results in false positive signals. To sum up, this strategy will be helpful to the further development of ultrasound molecular imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianfu Meng
- Department of Medical Ultrasound, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Tongji University Cancer Center, Shanghai 200072, P.R. China
- Department of Materials Science and State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, P.R. China
| | - Yan Yi
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry and Chemical Processes, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, P.R. China
| | - Yun Meng
- Department of Medical Ultrasound, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Tongji University Cancer Center, Shanghai 200072, P.R. China
| | - Guanglei Lv
- Department of Materials Science and State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, P.R. China
| | - Xingwu Jiang
- Department of Materials Science and State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, P.R. China
| | - Yelin Wu
- Department of Medical Ultrasound, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Tongji University Cancer Center, Shanghai 200072, P.R. China
| | - Wei Yang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry and Chemical Processes, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, P.R. China
| | - Yefeng Yao
- Department of Physics and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, P.R. China
| | - Huixiong Xu
- Department of Medical Ultrasound, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Tongji University Cancer Center, Shanghai 200072, P.R. China
| | - Wenbo Bu
- Department of Materials Science and State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, P.R. China
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Perez JVD, Jacobsen MC, Damasco JA, Melancon A, Huang SY, Layman RR, Melancon MP. Optimization of the differentiation and quantification of high-Z nanoparticles incorporated in medical devices for CT-guided interventions. Med Phys 2020; 48:300-312. [PMID: 33216978 DOI: 10.1002/mp.14601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Material differentiation has been made possible using dual-energy computed tomography (DECT), in which the unique, energy-dependent attenuating characteristics of materials can provide new diagnostic information. One promising application is the clinical integration of biodegradable polymers as temporary implantable medical devices impregnated with high-atomic number (high-Z) materials. The purpose of this study was to explore the incorporation of high atomic number (high-Z) contrast materials in a bioresorbable inferior vena cava filter for advanced CT-based monitoring of its location and differentiating from surrounding materials. MATERIALS AND METHODS Imaging optimization and calibration studies were performed using a body phantom. The dual-energy CT (DECT) ratios for iron, zirconium, barium, gadolinium, ytterbium, tantalum, tungsten, gold, and bismuth were generated for peak kilovoltage combinations of 80/150Sn, 90/150Sn, and 100/150Sn kVp in dual-source CT via linear regression of the CT numbers at low and high energies. A secondary calibration of the material map to the nominal material concentration was generated to correct for use of materials other than iodine. CT number was calibrated to the material concentration based on single-energy CT (SECT) with additional filtration (150Sn kVp). These quantification methods were applied to monitoring of biodegradable inferior vena cava filters (IVCFs) made of braided poly(p-dioxanone) sutures infused with ultrasmall bismuth nanoparticles (BiNPs) implanted in an adult domestic pig. RESULTS Qualitative material differentiation was optimal for high-Z (>73) contrast agents in DECT. However, quantification became nonlinear and inaccurate as the K-edge of the material increased. Using the high-energy (150Sn kVp) data component as a SECT scan, the linearity of quantification curves was maintained with lower limits of detection than with DECT. Among the materials tested, bismuth had optimal differentiation from iodine in DECT while maintaining increased contrast in high-energy SECT for quantification (11.5% error). Coating the IVCF with BiNPs resulted in markedly greater radiopacity (maximum CT number, 2028 HU) than that of an uncoated IVCF (maximum CT number, 127 HU). Using DECT imaging and processing, the BiNP-IVCF could be clearly differentiated from iodine contrast injected into the inferior vena cava of the pig. CONCLUSIONS These findings may improve widespread integration of medical devices incorporated with high-Z materials into the clinic, where technical success, possible complications, and device integrity can be assessed intraoperatively and postoperatively via DECT imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joy Vanessa D Perez
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines
| | - Megan C Jacobsen
- Department of Imaging Physics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jossana A Damasco
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Adam Melancon
- Department of Radiation Physics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Steven Y Huang
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Rick R Layman
- Department of Imaging Physics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Marites P Melancon
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX, USA
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Perez JVD, Singhana B, Damasco J, Lu L, Behlau P, Rojo RD, Whitley EM, Heralde F, Melancon A, Huang S, Melancon MP. Radiopaque scaffolds based on electrospun iodixanol/polycaprolactone fibrous composites. MATERIALIA 2020; 14:100874. [PMID: 32954230 PMCID: PMC7497787 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtla.2020.100874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Grafts based on biodegradable polymer scaffolds are increasingly used in tissue-engineering applications as they facilitate natural tissue regeneration. However, monitoring the position and integrity of these scaffolds over time is challenging due to radiolucency. In this study, we used an electrospinning method to fabricate biodegradable scaffolds based on polycaprolactone (PCL) and iodixanol, a clinical contrast agent. Scaffolds were implanted subcutaneously into C57BL/6 mice and monitored in vivo using longitudinal X-ray imaging and micro-computed tomography (CT). The addition of iodixanol altered the physicochemical properties of the PCL scaffold; notably, as the iodixanol concentration increased, the fiber diameter decreased. Radiopacity was achieved with corresponding signal enhancement as iodine concentration increased while exhibiting a steady time-dependent decrease of 0.96% per day in vivo. The electrospun scaffolds had similar performance with tissue culture-treated polystyrene in supporting the attachment, viability, and proliferation of human mesenchymal stem cells. Furthermore, implanted PCL-I scaffolds had more intense acute inflammatory infiltrate and thicker layers of maturing fibrous tissue. In conclusion, we developed radiopaque, biodegradable, biocompatible scaffolds whose position and integrity can be monitored noninvasively. The successful development of other imaging enhancers may further expand the use of biodegradable scaffolds in tissue engineering applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joy Vanessa D Perez
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, National Capital Region 1000, Philippines
| | - Burapol Singhana
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Innovative Nanomedicine Research Unit, Chulabhorn International College of Medicine, Thammasat University, Rangsit Campus, Pathum Thani, 12120, Thailand
| | - Jossana Damasco
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Linfeng Lu
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Paul Behlau
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Raniv D Rojo
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, National Capital Region 1000, Philippines
| | - Elizabeth M Whitley
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Francisco Heralde
- College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, National Capital Region 1000, Philippines
| | - Adam Melancon
- Department of Radiation Physics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Steven Huang
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Marites Pasuelo Melancon
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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Jeganathan S, Budziszewski E, Bielecki P, Kolios MC, Exner AA. In situ forming implants exposed to ultrasound enhance therapeutic efficacy in subcutaneous murine tumors. J Control Release 2020; 324:146-155. [PMID: 32389777 PMCID: PMC7725358 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2020.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Revised: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
In situ forming implants (ISFIs) allow for a high initial intratumoral concentration and sustained release of the chemotherapeutic. However, clinical translation is impeded primarily due to limited drug penetration from the tumor/boundary interface and poor intratumoral drug retention. Therapeutic ultrasound (TUS) has become a popular approach for improving drug penetration of transdermal devices and increasing cellular uptake of nanoparticles. These effects are driven by the mechanical and thermal bioeffects associated with TUS. In this study, we characterize the released drug penetration, retention, and overall therapeutic response when exposing ISFI to the combination of the mechanical and thermal effects of TUS (C-TUS). ISFIs were intratumorally injected into subcutaneous murine tumors then exposed to C-TUS (exposure: 5 min, duty factor: 0.33, frequency: 3 MHz, intensity: 2.2 W/cm2, pulse duration: 2 ms, pulse repetition frequency: 165 Hz, effective radiating area: 5 cm2, energy delivered: 896 J, time average intensity: 0.88 W/cm2). Tumors treated with the combination of ISFI + C-TUS demonstrated a 2.5-fold increase in maximum drug penetration and a 3-fold increase in drug retention at 5- and 8-days post-injection, respectively, compared to ISFIs without TUS exposure. These improvements in drug penetration and retention translated into an enhanced therapeutic response. Mice treated with ISFI + C-TUS showed a 62.6% reduction in tumor progression, a 50.0% increase in median survival time, and a 26.6% increase in necrotic percentage compared to ISFIs without TUS exposure. Combining intratumoral ISFIs with TUS may be beneficial for addressing some long-standing challenges with local drug delivery in cancer treatment and may serve as a viable noninvasive method to improve the poor clinical success of local drug delivery systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selva Jeganathan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Emily Budziszewski
- Department of Radiology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Peter Bielecki
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Michael C Kolios
- Department of Physics, Ryerson University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Agata A Exner
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States; Department of Radiology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States.
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Talacua H, Söntjens SHM, Thakkar SH, Brizard AMA, van Herwerden LA, Vink A, van Almen GC, Dankers PYW, Bouten CVC, Budde RPJ, Janssen HM, Kluin J. Imaging the In Vivo Degradation of Tissue Engineering Implants by Use of Supramolecular Radiopaque Biomaterials. Macromol Biosci 2020; 20:e2000024. [PMID: 32558365 DOI: 10.1002/mabi.202000024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Revised: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
For in situ tissue engineering (TE) applications it is important that implant degradation proceeds in concord with neo-tissue formation to avoid graft failure. It will therefore be valuable to have an imaging contrast agent (CA) available that can report on the degrading implant. For this purpose, a biodegradable radiopaque biomaterial is presented, modularly composed of a bisurea chain-extended polycaprolactone (PCL2000-U4U) elastomer and a novel iodinated bisurea-modified CA additive (I-U4U). Supramolecular hydrogen bonding interactions between the components ensure their intimate mixing. Porous implant TE-grafts are prepared by simply electrospinning a solution containing PCL2000-U4U and I-U4U. Rats receive an aortic interposition graft, either composed of only PCL2000-U4U (control) or of PCL2000-U4U and I-U4U (test). The grafts are explanted for analysis at three time points over a 1-month period. Computed tomography imaging of the test group implants prior to explantation shows a decrease in iodide volume and density over time. Explant analysis also indicates scaffold degradation. (Immuno)histochemistry shows comparable cellular contents and a similar neo-tissue formation process for test and control group, demonstrating that the CA does not have apparent adverse effects. A supramolecular approach to create solid radiopaque biomaterials can therefore be used to noninvasively monitor the biodegradation of synthetic implants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Talacua
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Department of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery, Academic Medical Center Amsterdam, P. O. Box 22660, Amsterdam, 1100 DD, The Netherlands
| | | | - Shraddha H Thakkar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Laboratory of Cell and Tissue Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Den Dolech 2, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Aurelie M A Brizard
- Philips Research, BioMolecular Engineering, High Tech Campus Eindhoven, High Tech Campus 11, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Lex A van Herwerden
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Aryan Vink
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, Utrecht, Room H04-312, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Geert C van Almen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Eindhoven University of Technology, Den Dolech 2, Eindhoven, The Netherlands.,Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Dolech 2, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Patricia Y W Dankers
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Eindhoven University of Technology, Den Dolech 2, Eindhoven, The Netherlands.,Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Dolech 2, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Carlijn V C Bouten
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Laboratory of Cell and Tissue Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Den Dolech 2, Eindhoven, The Netherlands.,Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Dolech 2, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Ricardo P J Budde
- Department of Radiology, Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam, 's-Gravendijkwal 230, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Henk M Janssen
- SyMO-Chem BV, Eindhoven, Den Dolech 2, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Jolanda Kluin
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Department of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery, Academic Medical Center Amsterdam, P. O. Box 22660, Amsterdam, 1100 DD, The Netherlands
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Hernandez C, Exner AA. Predicting in vivo behavior of injectable, in situ-forming drug-delivery systems. Ther Deliv 2017; 8:479-483. [PMID: 28350230 PMCID: PMC10072068 DOI: 10.4155/tde-2017-0007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Hernandez
- Department of Radiology, Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Agata A Exner
- Department of Radiology, Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
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