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Tuppurainen J, Paakkari P, Jäntti J, Nissinen MT, Fugazzola MC, van Weeren R, Ylisiurua S, Nieminen MT, Kröger H, Snyder BD, Joenathan A, Grinstaff MW, Matikka H, Korhonen RK, Mäkelä JTA. Revealing Detailed Cartilage Function Through Nanoparticle Diffusion Imaging: A Computed Tomography & Finite Element Study. Ann Biomed Eng 2024:10.1007/s10439-024-03552-7. [PMID: 39012563 DOI: 10.1007/s10439-024-03552-7] [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: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024]
Abstract
The ability of articular cartilage to withstand significant mechanical stresses during activities, such as walking or running, relies on its distinctive structure. Integrating detailed tissue properties into subject-specific biomechanical models is challenging due to the complexity of analyzing these characteristics. This limitation compromises the accuracy of models in replicating cartilage function and impacts predictive capabilities. To address this, methods revealing cartilage function at the constituent-specific level are essential. In this study, we demonstrated that computational modeling derived individual constituent-specific biomechanical properties could be predicted by a novel nanoparticle contrast-enhanced computer tomography (CECT) method. We imaged articular cartilage samples collected from the equine stifle joint (n = 60) using contrast-enhanced micro-computed tomography (µCECT) to determine contrast agents' intake within the samples, and compared those to cartilage functional properties, derived from a fibril-reinforced poroelastic finite element model. Two distinct imaging techniques were investigated: conventional energy-integrating µCECT employing a cationic tantalum oxide nanoparticle (Ta2O5-cNP) contrast agent and novel photon-counting µCECT utilizing a dual-contrast agent, comprising Ta2O5-cNP and neutral iodixanol. The results demonstrate the capacity to evaluate fibrillar and non-fibrillar functionality of cartilage, along with permeability-affected fluid flow in cartilage. This finding indicates the feasibility of incorporating these specific functional properties into biomechanical computational models, holding potential for personalized approaches to cartilage diagnostics and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juuso Tuppurainen
- Department of Technical Physics, University of Eastern Finland, POB 1627, 70211, Kuopio, Finland.
- Diagnostic Imaging Center, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Petri Paakkari
- Department of Technical Physics, University of Eastern Finland, POB 1627, 70211, Kuopio, Finland
- Diagnostic Imaging Center, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Jiri Jäntti
- Department of Technical Physics, University of Eastern Finland, POB 1627, 70211, Kuopio, Finland
- Diagnostic Imaging Center, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Mikko T Nissinen
- Department of Technical Physics, University of Eastern Finland, POB 1627, 70211, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Maria C Fugazzola
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - René van Weeren
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Sampo Ylisiurua
- Research Unit of Health Sciences and Technology, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
| | - Miika T Nieminen
- Research Unit of Health Sciences and Technology, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
| | - Heikki Kröger
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
- Kuopio Musculoskeletal Research Unit, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Brian D Snyder
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, USA
| | - Anisha Joenathan
- Departments of Biomedical Engineering and Chemistry, Boston University, Boston, USA
| | - Mark W Grinstaff
- Departments of Biomedical Engineering and Chemistry, Boston University, Boston, USA
| | - Hanna Matikka
- Diagnostic Imaging Center, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Rami K Korhonen
- Department of Technical Physics, University of Eastern Finland, POB 1627, 70211, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Janne T A Mäkelä
- Department of Technical Physics, University of Eastern Finland, POB 1627, 70211, Kuopio, Finland
- Diagnostic Imaging Center, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
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Jäntti J, Joenathan A, Fugazzola M, Tuppurainen J, Honkanen JTJ, Töyräs J, van Weeren R, Snyder BD, Grinstaff MW, Matikka H, Mäkelä JTA. Cationic tantalum oxide nanoparticle contrast agent for micro computed tomography reveals articular cartilage proteoglycan distribution and collagen architecture alterations. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 2024; 32:299-309. [PMID: 38061579 DOI: 10.1016/j.joca.2023.11.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Cationic tantalum oxide nanoparticles (Ta2O5-cNPs), as a newly introduced contrast agent for computed tomography of cartilage, offer quantitative evaluation of proteoglycan (PG) content and biomechanical properties. However, knowledge on the depth-wise impact of cartilage constituents on nanoparticle diffusion, particularly the influence of the collagen network, is lacking. In this study, we aim to establish the depth-dependent relationship between Ta2O5-cNP diffusion and cartilage constituents (PG content, collagen content and network architecture). METHODS Osteochondral samples (n = 30) were harvested from healthy equine stifle joints (N = 15) and the diffusion of 2.55 nm diameter cationic Ta2O5-cNPs into the cartilage was followed with micro computed tomography (µCT) imaging for up to 96 hours. The diffusion-related parameters, Ta2O5-cNP maximum partition (Pmax) and diffusion time constant, were compared against biomechanical and depth-wise structural properties. Biomechanics were assessed using stress-relaxation and sinusoidal loading protocols, whereas PG content, collagen content and collagen network architecture were determined using digital densitometry, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and polarized light microscopy, respectively. RESULTS The Pmax correlates with the depth-wise distribution of PGs (bulk Spearman's ρ = 0.87, p < 0.001). More open collagen network architecture at the superficial zone enhances intake of Ta2O5-cNPs, but collagen content overall decreases the intake. The Pmax values correlate with the equilibrium modulus (ρ = 0.80, p < 0.001) of articular cartilage. CONCLUSION This study establishes the feasibility of Ta2O5-cNPs for the precise and comprehensive identification of biomechanical and structural changes in articular cartilage via contrast-enhanced µCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiri Jäntti
- Diagnostic Imaging Center, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland; Department of Technical Physics, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Anisha Joenathan
- Division of Materials Science, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Maria Fugazzola
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Juuso Tuppurainen
- Diagnostic Imaging Center, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland; Department of Technical Physics, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | | | - Juha Töyräs
- Department of Technical Physics, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland; School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia; Science Service Center, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - René van Weeren
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Brian D Snyder
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mark W Grinstaff
- Division of Materials Science, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA; Departments of Biomedical Engineering and Chemistry, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Hanna Matikka
- Diagnostic Imaging Center, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Janne T A Mäkelä
- Diagnostic Imaging Center, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland; Department of Technical Physics, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
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