1
|
Coles L, Ventrella D, Carnicer-Lombarte A, Elmi A, Troughton JG, Mariello M, El Hadwe S, Woodington BJ, Bacci ML, Malliaras GG, Barone DG, Proctor CM. Origami-inspired soft fluidic actuation for minimally invasive large-area electrocorticography. Nat Commun 2024; 15:6290. [PMID: 39060241 PMCID: PMC11282215 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-50597-2] [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: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Electrocorticography is an established neural interfacing technique wherein an array of electrodes enables large-area recording from the cortical surface. Electrocorticography is commonly used for seizure mapping however the implantation of large-area electrocorticography arrays is a highly invasive procedure, requiring a craniotomy larger than the implant area to place the device. In this work, flexible thin-film electrode arrays are combined with concepts from soft robotics, to realize a large-area electrocorticography device that can change shape via integrated fluidic actuators. We show that the 32-electrode device can be packaged using origami-inspired folding into a compressed state and implanted through a small burr-hole craniotomy, then expanded on the surface of the brain for large-area cortical coverage. The implantation, expansion, and recording functionality of the device is confirmed in-vitro and in porcine in-vivo models. The integration of shape actuation into neural implants provides a clinically viable pathway to realize large-area neural interfaces via minimally invasive surgical techniques.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lawrence Coles
- Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Engineering Science Department, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Domenico Ventrella
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Ozzano dell'Emilia, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Alberto Elmi
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Ozzano dell'Emilia, Bologna, Italy
| | - Joe G Troughton
- Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Engineering Science Department, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Massimo Mariello
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Engineering Science Department, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Salim El Hadwe
- Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Ben J Woodington
- Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Maria L Bacci
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Ozzano dell'Emilia, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Damiano G Barone
- Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Christopher M Proctor
- Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Engineering Science Department, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Wang ZD, Bo K, Zhong CL, Xin YH, Lu GL, Sun H, Liang S, Liu ZN, Zang HY. Multifunctional Polyoxometalates-Based Ionohydrogels toward Flexible Electronics. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2400099. [PMID: 38481340 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202400099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
Multifunctional flexible electronics present tremendous opportunities in the rapidly evolving digital age. One potential avenue to realize this goal is the integration of polyoxometalates (POMs) and ionic liquid-based gels (ILGs), but the challenge of macrophase separation due to poor compatibility, especially caused by repulsion between like-charged units, poses a significant hurdle. Herein, the possibilities of producing diverse and homogenous POMs-containing ionohydrogels by nanoconfining POMs and ionic liquids (ILs) within an elastomer-like polyzwitterionic hydrogel using a simple one-step random copolymerization method, are expanded vastly. The incorporation of polyzwitterions provides a nanoconfined microenvironment and effectively modulates excessive electrostatic interactions in POMs/ILs/H2O blending system, facilitating a phase transition from macrophase separation to a submillimeter scale worm-like microphase-separation system. Moreover, combining POMs-reinforced ionohydrogels with a developed integrated self-powered sensing system utilizing strain sensors and Zn-ion hybrid supercapacitors has enabled efficient energy storage and detection of external strain changes with high precision. This work not only provides guidelines for manipulating morphology within phase-separation gelation systems, but also paves the way for developing versatile POMs-based ionohydrogels for state-of-the-art smart flexible electronics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Da Wang
- Key Laboratory of Bionic Engineering of the Ministry of Education, College of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun, 130022, P. R. China
| | - Kai Bo
- Key Laboratory of Bionic Engineering of the Ministry of Education, College of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun, 130022, P. R. China
| | - Chen-Long Zhong
- Key Laboratory of Bionic Engineering of the Ministry of Education, College of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun, 130022, P. R. China
| | - Yu-Hang Xin
- Key Laboratory of Bionic Engineering of the Ministry of Education, College of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun, 130022, P. R. China
| | - Guo-Long Lu
- Key Laboratory of Bionic Engineering of the Ministry of Education, College of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun, 130022, P. R. China
| | - Hang Sun
- Key Laboratory of Bionic Engineering of the Ministry of Education, College of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun, 130022, P. R. China
| | - Song Liang
- Key Laboratory of Bionic Engineering of the Ministry of Education, College of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun, 130022, P. R. China
| | - Zhen-Ning Liu
- Key Laboratory of Bionic Engineering of the Ministry of Education, College of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun, 130022, P. R. China
| | - Hong-Ying Zang
- Key Laboratory of Polyoxometalate Science of the Ministry of Education, Faculty of Chemistry, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, 130024, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Trask L, Ward NA, Tarpey R, Beatty R, Wallace E, O'Dwyer J, Ronan W, Duffy GP, Dolan EB. Exploring therapy transport from implantable medical devices using experimentally informed computational methods. Biomater Sci 2024; 12:2899-2913. [PMID: 38683198 DOI: 10.1039/d4bm00107a] [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: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Implantable medical devices that can facilitate therapy transport to localized sites are being developed for a number of diverse applications, including the treatment of diseases such as diabetes and cancer, and tissue regeneration after myocardial infraction. These implants can take the form of an encapsulation device which encases therapy in the form of drugs, proteins, cells, and bioactive agents, in semi-permeable membranes. Such implants have shown some success but the nature of these devices pose a barrier to the diffusion of vital factors, which is further exacerbated upon implantation due to the foreign body response (FBR). The FBR results in the formation of a dense hypo-permeable fibrous capsule around devices and is a leading cause of failure in many implantable technologies. One potential method for overcoming this diffusion barrier and enhancing therapy transport from the device is to incorporate local fluid flow. In this work, we used experimentally informed inputs to characterize the change in the fibrous capsule over time and quantified how this impacts therapy release from a device using computational methods. Insulin was used as a representative therapy as encapsulation devices for Type 1 diabetes are among the most-well characterised. We then explored how local fluid flow may be used to counteract these diffusion barriers, as well as how a more practical pulsatile flow regimen could be implemented to achieve similar results to continuous fluid flow. The generated model is a versatile tool toward informing future device design through its ability to capture the expected decrease in insulin release over time resulting from the FBR and investigate potential methods to overcome these effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lesley Trask
- Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
- Biomechanics Research Centre (BMEC), Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Niamh A Ward
- Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
- Biomechanics Research Centre (BMEC), Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Ruth Tarpey
- Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
- Anatomy and Regenerative Medicine Institute (REMEDI), School of Medicine, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
- CÚRAM, Centre for Research in Medical Devices, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Rachel Beatty
- Anatomy and Regenerative Medicine Institute (REMEDI), School of Medicine, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
- SFI Centre for Advanced Materials and BioEngineering Research Centre (AMBER), Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Eimear Wallace
- Anatomy and Regenerative Medicine Institute (REMEDI), School of Medicine, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Joanne O'Dwyer
- Anatomy and Regenerative Medicine Institute (REMEDI), School of Medicine, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - William Ronan
- Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
- Biomechanics Research Centre (BMEC), Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Garry P Duffy
- Anatomy and Regenerative Medicine Institute (REMEDI), School of Medicine, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
- SFI Centre for Advanced Materials and BioEngineering Research Centre (AMBER), Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- CÚRAM, Centre for Research in Medical Devices, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Eimear B Dolan
- Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
- Biomechanics Research Centre (BMEC), Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
- CÚRAM, Centre for Research in Medical Devices, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Qiu Y, Ashok A, Nguyen CC, Yamauchi Y, Do TN, Phan HP. Integrated Sensors for Soft Medical Robotics. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2308805. [PMID: 38185733 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202308805] [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: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Minimally invasive procedures assisted by soft robots for surgery, diagnostics, and drug delivery have unprecedented benefits over traditional solutions from both patient and surgeon perspectives. However, the translation of such technology into commercialization remains challenging. The lack of perception abilities is one of the obstructive factors paramount for a safe, accurate and efficient robot-assisted intervention. Integrating different types of miniature sensors onto robotic end-effectors is a promising trend to compensate for the perceptual deficiencies in soft robots. For example, haptic feedback with force sensors helps surgeons to control the interaction force at the tool-tissue interface, impedance sensing of tissue electrical properties can be used for tumor detection. The last decade has witnessed significant progress in the development of multimodal sensors built on the advancement in engineering, material science and scalable micromachining technologies. This review article provides a snapshot on common types of integrated sensors for soft medical robots. It covers various sensing mechanisms, examples for practical and clinical applications, standard manufacturing processes, as well as insights on emerging engineering routes for the fabrication of novel and high-performing sensing devices.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yulin Qiu
- School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, 2052, Australia
- Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, 2052, Australia
| | - Aditya Ashok
- Australian Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN), The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, 4067, Australia
| | - Chi Cong Nguyen
- Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, 2052, Australia
| | - Yusuke Yamauchi
- Australian Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN), The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, 4067, Australia
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, School of Engineering, Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, 464-8601, Japan
| | - Thanh Nho Do
- Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, 2052, Australia
- Tyree Foundation Institute of Health Engineering, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, 2052, Australia
| | - Hoang-Phuong Phan
- School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, 2052, Australia
- Tyree Foundation Institute of Health Engineering, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, 2052, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Liu Z, Zhou X, Chen Y, Ni Y, Zhu Z, Cao W, Chen K, Yan Y, Ji J, Zhang P. Fibrous capsule-resistant, controllably degradable and functionalizable zwitterion-albumin hybrid hydrogels. Biomater Sci 2024; 12:468-478. [PMID: 38086632 DOI: 10.1039/d3bm01783d] [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: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
Foreign body response (FBR) represents an immune-mediated cascade reaction capable of inducing the rejection of foreign implants, thereby compromising their in vivo performance. Pure zwitterionic hydrogels have demonstrated the ability to resist long-term FBR, owing to their outstanding antifouling capabilities. However, achieving such a robust anti-FBR effect necessitates stringent requirements concerning the purity of zwitterionic materials, which constrains their broader functional applications. Herein, we present a biocompatible, controllably degradable, and functionalizable zwitterion-albumin hybrid hydrogel. The zwitterionic hydrogel crosslinked with serum albumin exhibits controllable degradation and excels in preventing the adsorption of various proteins and adhesion of cells and bacteria. Moreover, the hydrogel significantly alleviates the host's FBR compared with PEG hydrogels and particularly outperforms PEG-based cross-linker crosslinked zwitterionic hydrogels in reducing collagen encapsulation when subcutaneously implanted into mice. The zwitterion-albumin hybrid hydrogel shows potential as a functionalizable anti-FBR material in the context of implantable materials and biomedical devices.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zuolong Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Macromolecule Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, P. R. China.
| | - Xianchi Zhou
- MOE Key Laboratory of Macromolecule Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, P. R. China.
| | - Yongcheng Chen
- MOE Key Laboratory of Macromolecule Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, P. R. China.
| | - Yanwen Ni
- MOE Key Laboratory of Macromolecule Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, P. R. China.
| | - Zihao Zhu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Macromolecule Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, P. R. China.
| | - Wenzhong Cao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Macromolecule Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, P. R. China.
| | - Kexin Chen
- MOE Key Laboratory of Macromolecule Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, P. R. China.
| | - Yu Yan
- MOE Key Laboratory of Macromolecule Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, P. R. China.
| | - Jian Ji
- MOE Key Laboratory of Macromolecule Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, P. R. China.
- International Research Center for X Polymers, International Campus, Zhejiang University, Haining, P. R. China
| | - Peng Zhang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Macromolecule Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, P. R. China.
- International Research Center for X Polymers, International Campus, Zhejiang University, Haining, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Ward NA, Hanley S, Tarpey R, Schreiber LHJ, O'Dwyer J, Roche ET, Duffy GP, Dolan EB. Intermittent actuation attenuates fibrotic behaviour of myofibroblasts. Acta Biomater 2024; 173:80-92. [PMID: 37967693 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2023.11.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
The foreign body response (FBR) to implanted materials culminates in the deposition of a hypo-permeable, collagen rich fibrotic capsule by myofibroblast cells at the implant site. The fibrotic capsule can be deleterious to the function of some medical implants as it can isolate the implant from the host environment. Modulation of fibrotic capsule formation has been achieved using intermittent actuation of drug delivery implants, however the mechanisms underlying this response are not well understood. Here, we use analytical, computational, and in vitro models to understand the response of human myofibroblasts (WPMY-1 stromal cell line) to intermittent actuation using soft robotics and investigate how actuation can alter the secretion of collagen and pro/anti-inflammatory cytokines by these cells. Our findings suggest that there is a mechanical loading threshold that can modulate the fibrotic behaviour of myofibroblasts, by reducing the secretion of soluble collagen, transforming growth factor beta-1 and interleukin 1-beta, and upregulating the anti-inflammatory interleukin-10. By improving our understanding of how cells involved in the FBR respond to mechanical actuation, we can harness this technology to improve functional outcomes for a wide range of implanted medical device applications including drug delivery and cell encapsulation platforms. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: A major barrier to the successful clinical translation of many implantable medical devices is the foreign body response (FBR) and resultant deposition of a hypo-permeable fibrotic capsule (FC) around the implant. Perturbation of the implant site using intermittent actuation (IA) of soft-robotic implants has previously been shown to modulate the FBR and reduce FC thickness. However, the mechanisms of action underlying this response were largely unknown. Here, we investigate how IA can alter the activity of myofibroblast cells, and ultimately suggest that there is a mechanical loading threshold within which their fibrotic behaviour can be modulated. These findings can be harnessed to improve functional outcomes for a wide range of medical implants, particularly drug delivery and cell encapsulation devices.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Niamh A Ward
- Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, College of Science and Engineering, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Shirley Hanley
- Flow Cytometry Core Facility, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Ruth Tarpey
- Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, College of Science and Engineering, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland; Anatomy and Regenerative Medicine Institute (REMEDI), School of Medicine, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Lucien H J Schreiber
- Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, College of Science and Engineering, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland; Anatomy and Regenerative Medicine Institute (REMEDI), School of Medicine, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Joanne O'Dwyer
- Anatomy and Regenerative Medicine Institute (REMEDI), School of Medicine, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Ellen T Roche
- Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA; Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA; Harvard-MIT Program in Health Sciences and Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Garry P Duffy
- Anatomy and Regenerative Medicine Institute (REMEDI), School of Medicine, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland; Advanced Materials and BioEngineering Research Centre (AMBER), Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland; CÚRAM, Centre for Research in Medical Devices, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Eimear B Dolan
- Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, College of Science and Engineering, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland; CÚRAM, Centre for Research in Medical Devices, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Desai T, Grattoni A. Robotic self-modulation enhances implantable long-acting drug delivery devices. Sci Robot 2023; 8:eadj8292. [PMID: 37647383 DOI: 10.1126/scirobotics.adj8292] [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: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Integrating fibrotic capsule sensing with soft robotics may boost long-term performance of implantable drug delivery devices.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tejal Desai
- School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Alessandro Grattoni
- Department of Nanomedicine, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Surgery, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| |
Collapse
|