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Funnell JL, Fougere J, Zahn D, Dutz S, Gilbert RJ. Delivery of TGFβ3 from Magnetically Responsive Coaxial Fibers Reduces Spinal Cord Astrocyte Reactivity In Vitro. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2024:e2300531. [PMID: 38935534 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202300531] [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: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
A spinal cord injury (SCI) compresses the spinal cord, killing neurons and glia at the injury site and resulting in prolonged inflammation and scarring that prevents regeneration. Astrocytes, the main glia in the spinal cord, become reactive following SCI and contribute to adverse outcomes. The anti-inflammatory cytokine transforming growth factor beta 3 (TGFβ3) has been shown to mitigate astrocyte reactivity; however, the effects of prolonged TGFβ3 exposure on reactive astrocyte phenotype have not yet been explored. This study investigates whether magnetic core-shell electrospun fibers can be used to alter the release rate of TGFβ3 using externally applied magnetic fields, with the eventual application of tailored drug delivery based on SCI severity. Magnetic core-shell fibers are fabricated by incorporating superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) into the shell and TGFβ3 into the core solution for coaxial electrospinning. Magnetic field stimulation increased the release rate of TGFβ3 from the fibers by 25% over 7 days and released TGFβ3 reduced gene expression of key astrocyte reactivity markers by at least twofold. This is the first study to magnetically deliver bioactive proteins from magnetic fibers and to assess the effect of sustained release of TGFβ3 on reactive astrocyte phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L Funnell
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 110 8th St, Troy, NY, 12180, USA
- Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 1623 15th St., Troy, NY, 12180, USA
| | - Jasper Fougere
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 110 8th St, Troy, NY, 12180, USA
- Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 1623 15th St., Troy, NY, 12180, USA
| | - Diana Zahn
- Institut für Biomedizinische Technik und Informatik, Technische Universität Ilmenau, Gustav-Kirchhoff-Str. 2, 98693, Ilmenau, Germany
| | - Silvio Dutz
- Institut für Biomedizinische Technik und Informatik, Technische Universität Ilmenau, Gustav-Kirchhoff-Str. 2, 98693, Ilmenau, Germany
- Westsächsische Hochschule Zwickau, Kornmarkt 1, 08056, Zwickau, Germany
| | - Ryan J Gilbert
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 110 8th St, Troy, NY, 12180, USA
- Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 1623 15th St., Troy, NY, 12180, USA
- Albany Stratton Veteran Affairs Medical Center, 113 Holland Ave., Albany, NY, 12208, USA
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2
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Kudryavtseva V, Sukhorukov GB. Features of Anisotropic Drug Delivery Systems. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2307675. [PMID: 38158786 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202307675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Natural materials are anisotropic. Delivery systems occurring in nature, such as viruses, blood cells, pollen, and many others, do have anisotropy, while delivery systems made artificially are mostly isotropic. There is apparent complexity in engineering anisotropic particles or capsules with micron and submicron sizes. Nevertheless, some promising examples of how to fabricate particles with anisotropic shapes or having anisotropic chemical and/or physical properties are developed. Anisotropy of particles, once they face biological systems, influences their behavior. Internalization by the cells, flow in the bloodstream, biodistribution over organs and tissues, directed release, and toxicity of particles regardless of the same chemistry are all reported to be factors of anisotropy of delivery systems. Here, the current methods are reviewed to introduce anisotropy to particles or capsules, including loading with various therapeutic cargo, variable physical properties primarily by anisotropic magnetic properties, controlling directional motion, and making Janus particles. The advantages of combining different anisotropy in one entity for delivery and common problems and limitations for fabrication are under discussion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeriya Kudryavtseva
- School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, London, E1 4NS, UK
| | - Gleb B Sukhorukov
- School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, London, E1 4NS, UK
- Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Moscow, 121205, Russia
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3
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Chen Z, Wang Y, Chen H, Law J, Pu H, Xie S, Duan F, Sun Y, Liu N, Yu J. A magnetic multi-layer soft robot for on-demand targeted adhesion. Nat Commun 2024; 15:644. [PMID: 38245517 PMCID: PMC10799857 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-44995-9] [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: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Magnetic soft robots have shown great potential for biomedical applications due to their high shape reconfigurability, motion agility, and multi-functionality in physiological environments. Magnetic soft robots with multi-layer structures can enhance the loading capacity and function complexity for targeted delivery. However, the interactions between soft entities have yet to be fully investigated, and thus the assembly of magnetic soft robots with on-demand motion modes from multiple film-like layers is still challenging. Herein, we model and tailor the magnetic interaction between soft film-like layers with distinct in-plane structures, and then realize multi-layer soft robots that are capable of performing agile motions and targeted adhesion. Each layer of the robot consists of a soft magnetic substrate and an adhesive film. The mechanical properties and adhesion performance of the adhesive films are systematically characterized. The robot is capable of performing two locomotion modes, i.e., translational motion and tumbling motion, and also the on-demand separation with one side layer adhered to tissues. Simulation results are presented, which have a good qualitative agreement with the experimental results. The feasibility of using the robot to perform multi-target adhesion in a stomach is validated in both ex-vivo and in-vivo experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziheng Chen
- School of Mechatronics Engineering and Automation, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
- School of Science and Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, 518172, China
- Shenzhen Institute of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics for Society, Shenzhen, 518172, China
| | - Yibin Wang
- School of Science and Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, 518172, China
- Shenzhen Institute of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics for Society, Shenzhen, 518172, China
| | - Hui Chen
- School of Science and Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, 518172, China
- Shenzhen Institute of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics for Society, Shenzhen, 518172, China
| | - Junhui Law
- School of Science and Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, 518172, China
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 3G8, Canada
| | - Huayan Pu
- School of Mechatronics Engineering and Automation, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Shaorong Xie
- School of Computer Engineering and Science, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Feng Duan
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Yu Sun
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 3G8, Canada
| | - Na Liu
- School of Mechatronics Engineering and Automation, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China.
| | - Jiangfan Yu
- School of Science and Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, 518172, China.
- Shenzhen Institute of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics for Society, Shenzhen, 518172, China.
- School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, 518172, China.
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4
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Kumar A, Gupta GD, Kumar M. Magnetomorph: The Future of Targeted Drug Delivery. Curr Drug Targets 2024; 25:449-453. [PMID: 38639288 DOI: 10.2174/0113894501309729240414081308] [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: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Ashutosh Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutics, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga, Punjab, 142001, India
| | - Ghanshyam Das Gupta
- Department of Pharmaceutics, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga, Punjab, 142001, India
| | - Manish Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutics, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga, Punjab, 142001, India
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5
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Vazquez-Perez F, Gila-Vilchez C, Leon-Cecilla A, Álvarez de Cienfuegos L, Borin D, Odenbach S, Martin JE, Lopez-Lopez MT. Fabrication and Actuation of Magnetic Shape-Memory Materials. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15. [PMID: 37924281 PMCID: PMC10658454 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c14091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023]
Abstract
Soft actuators are deformable materials that change their dimensions or shape in response to external stimuli. Among the various stimuli, remote magnetic fields are one of the most attractive forms of actuation, due to their ease of use, fast response, and safety in biological systems. Composites of magnetic particles with polymer matrices are the most common materials for magnetic soft actuators. In this paper, we demonstrate the fabrication and actuation of magnetic shape-memory materials based on hydrogels containing field-structured magnetic particles. These actuators are formed by placing the pregel dispersion into a mold of the desired on-field shape and exposing it to a homogeneous magnetic field until the gel point is reached. At this point, the material may be removed from the mold and fully gelled in the desired off-field shape. The resultant magnetic shape-memory material then transitions between these two shapes when it is subjected to successive cycles of a homogeneous magnetic field, acting as a large deformation actuator. For actuators that are planar in the off-field state, this can result in significant bending to return to the on-field state. In addition, it is possible to make shape-memory materials that twist under the application of a magnetic field. For these torsional actuators, both experimental and theoretical results are given.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco
J. Vazquez-Perez
- Departamento
de Física Aplicada, Universidad de
Granada, C.U. Fuentenueva, Granada E-18071, Spain
- Instituto
de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Avda. de Madrid 15, Granada E-18012, Spain
| | - Cristina Gila-Vilchez
- Departamento
de Física Aplicada, Universidad de
Granada, C.U. Fuentenueva, Granada E-18071, Spain
- Instituto
de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Avda. de Madrid 15, Granada E-18012, Spain
| | - Alberto Leon-Cecilla
- Departamento
de Física Aplicada, Universidad de
Granada, C.U. Fuentenueva, Granada E-18071, Spain
- Instituto
de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Avda. de Madrid 15, Granada E-18012, Spain
| | - Luis Álvarez de Cienfuegos
- Instituto
de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Avda. de Madrid 15, Granada E-18012, Spain
- Departamento
de Química Orgánica, Unidad de Excelencia Química
Aplicada a Biomedicina y Medioambiente, Universidad de Granada, C. U. Fuentenueva, Granada E-18071, Spain
| | - Dmitry Borin
- Chair
of Magnetofluiddynamics, Measuring and Automation Technology, Technische Universität Dresden, George-Bähr-Strasse 3, Dresden 01069, Germany
| | - Stefan Odenbach
- Chair
of Magnetofluiddynamics, Measuring and Automation Technology, Technische Universität Dresden, George-Bähr-Strasse 3, Dresden 01069, Germany
| | - James E. Martin
- Sandia
National Laboratories, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87059, United States
| | - Modesto T. Lopez-Lopez
- Departamento
de Física Aplicada, Universidad de
Granada, C.U. Fuentenueva, Granada E-18071, Spain
- Instituto
de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Avda. de Madrid 15, Granada E-18012, Spain
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6
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Arifin DR, Bulte JWM. In Vivo Imaging of Naked and Microencapsulated Islet Cell Transplantation. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2592:75-88. [PMID: 36507986 PMCID: PMC10437091 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2807-2_5] [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] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
We describe step-by-step methods to label human pancreatic islet cells and murine insulinoma cells and their subsequent transplantation into type I diabetic mouse models with a focus on in vivo imaging using clinically applicable scanners. We also cover islets that are microencapsulated within alginate hydrogels loaded with imaging agents. By following these methods, it is possible to image cell grafts using T1-weighted and T2/T2*-weighted 1H magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), 19F MRI, computed tomography, ultrasound imaging, and bioluminescence imaging in vivo. Considering a myriad of factors that may affect the outcome of proper in vivo detection, we discuss potential issues that may be encountered during and after the process of labeling. The ultimate goal is to use these in vivo imaging approaches to determine and optimize naked and encapsulated islet cell survival, therapeutic function, and engraftment procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dian R Arifin
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Division of MR Research, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Cellular Imaging Section and Vascular Biology Program, Institute for Cell Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jeff W M Bulte
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Division of MR Research, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Cellular Imaging Section and Vascular Biology Program, Institute for Cell Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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7
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Aram E, Moeni M, Abedizadeh R, Sabour D, Sadeghi-Abandansari H, Gardy J, Hassanpour A. Smart and Multi-Functional Magnetic Nanoparticles for Cancer Treatment Applications: Clinical Challenges and Future Prospects. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 12:nano12203567. [PMID: 36296756 PMCID: PMC9611246 DOI: 10.3390/nano12203567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Iron oxide nanoparticle (IONPs) have become a subject of interest in various biomedical fields due to their magnetism and biocompatibility. They can be utilized as heat mediators in magnetic hyperthermia (MHT) or as contrast media in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and ultrasound (US). In addition, their high drug-loading capacity enabled them to be therapeutic agent transporters for malignancy treatment. Hence, smartening them allows for an intelligent controlled drug release (CDR) and targeted drug delivery (TDD). Smart magnetic nanoparticles (SMNPs) can overcome the impediments faced by classical chemo-treatment strategies, since they can be navigated and release drug via external or internal stimuli. Recently, they have been synchronized with other modalities, e.g., MRI, MHT, US, and for dual/multimodal theranostic applications in a single platform. Herein, we provide an overview of the attributes of MNPs for cancer theranostic application, fabrication procedures, surface coatings, targeting approaches, and recent advancement of SMNPs. Even though MNPs feature numerous privileges over chemotherapy agents, obstacles remain in clinical usage. This review in particular covers the clinical predicaments faced by SMNPs and future research scopes in the field of SMNPs for cancer theranostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elham Aram
- Department of Cancer Medicine, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Babol 47138-18981, Iran
- Department of Polymer Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Golestan University, Gorgan 49188-88369, Iran
| | - Masome Moeni
- School of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Roya Abedizadeh
- Department of Cancer Medicine, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Babol 47138-18981, Iran
| | - Davood Sabour
- Department of Cancer Medicine, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Babol 47138-18981, Iran
| | - Hamid Sadeghi-Abandansari
- Department of Cancer Medicine, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Babol 47138-18981, Iran
- Department of Cell Engineering, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran 16635-148, Iran
| | - Jabbar Gardy
- School of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
- Correspondence: (J.G.); (A.H.)
| | - Ali Hassanpour
- School of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
- Correspondence: (J.G.); (A.H.)
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8
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Hussain SI, Mair LO, Willis AJ, Papavasiliou G, Liu B, Weinberg IN, Engelhard HH. Parallel Multichannel Assessment of Rotationally Manipulated Magnetic Nanoparticles. Nanotechnol Sci Appl 2022; 15:1-15. [PMID: 35469141 PMCID: PMC9034901 DOI: 10.2147/nsa.s358931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Rotational manipulation of chains or clusters of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) offers a means for directed translation and payload delivery that should be explored for clinical use. Multiple MNP types are available, yet few studies have performed side-by-side comparisons to evaluate characteristics such as velocity, movement at a distance, and capacity for drug conveyance or dispersion. Purpose Our goal was to design, build, and study an electric device allowing simultaneous, multichannel testing (e.g., racing) of MNPs in response to a rotating magnetic field. We would then select the "best" MNP and use it with optimized device settings, to transport an unbound therapeutic agent. Methods A magnetomotive system was constructed, with a Helmholtz pair of coils on either side of a single perpendicular coil, on top of which was placed an acrylic tray having multiple parallel lanes. Five different MNPs were tested: graphene-coated cobalt MNPs (TurboBeads™), nickel nanorods, gold-iron alloy MNPs, gold-coated Fe3O4 MNPs, and uncoated Fe3O4 MNPs. Velocities were determined in response to varying magnetic field frequencies (5-200 Hz) and heights (0-18 cm). Velocities were normalized to account for minor lane differences. Doxorubicin was chosen as the therapeutic agent, assayed using a CLARIOstar Plus microplate reader. Results The MMS generated a maximal MNP velocity of 0.9 cm/s. All MNPs encountered a "critical" frequency at 20-30 Hz. Nickel nanorods had the optimal response based on tray height and were then shown to enable unbound doxorubicin dispersion along 10.5 cm in <30 sec. Conclusion A rotating magnetic field can be conveniently generated using a three-coil electromagnetic device, and used to induce rotational and translational movement of MNP aggregates over mesoscale distances. The responses of various MNPs can be compared side-by-side using multichannel acrylic trays to assess suitability for drug delivery, highlighting their potential for further in vivo applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syed I Hussain
- Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Biomedical Engineering Department, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, IL, USA
- NanoMagnetic Therapeutics Corp., Wilmette, IL, USA
| | - Lamar O Mair
- Weinberg Medical Physics, Inc., North Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Alexander J Willis
- Department of Medicine, The University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Georgia Papavasiliou
- Biomedical Engineering Department, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Bing Liu
- IMRA America, Inc., Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | - Herbert H Engelhard
- Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- NanoMagnetic Therapeutics Corp., Wilmette, IL, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, The University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
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9
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Irzan H, Pozzi M, Chikhladze N, Cebanu S, Tadevosyan A, Calcii C, Tsiskaridze A, Melbourne A, Strazzer S, Modat M, Molteni E. Emerging Treatments for Disorders of Consciousness in Paediatric Age. Brain Sci 2022; 12:198. [PMID: 35203961 PMCID: PMC8870410 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12020198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The number of paediatric patients living with a prolonged Disorder of Consciousness (DoC) is growing in high-income countries, thanks to substantial improvement in intensive care. Life expectancy is extending due to the clinical and nursing management achievements of chronic phase needs, including infections. However, long-known pharmacological therapies such as amantadine and zolpidem, as well as novel instrumental approaches using direct current stimulation and, more recently, stem cell transplantation, are applied in the absence of large paediatric clinical trials and rigorous age-balanced and dose-escalated validations. With evidence building up mainly through case reports and observational studies, there is a need for well-designed paediatric clinical trials and specific research on 0-4-year-old children. At such an early age, assessing residual and recovered abilities is most challenging due to the early developmental stage, incompletely learnt motor and cognitive skills, and unreliable communication; treatment options are also less explored in early age. In middle-income countries, the lack of rehabilitation services and professionals focusing on paediatric age hampers the overall good assistance provision. Young and fast-evolving health insurance systems prevent universal access to chronic care in some countries. In low-income countries, rescue networks are often inadequate, and there is a lack of specialised and intensive care, difficulty in providing specific pharmaceuticals, and lower compliance to intensive care hygiene standards. Despite this, paediatric cases with DoC are reported, albeit in fewer numbers than in countries with better-resourced healthcare systems. For patients with a poor prospect of recovery, withdrawal of care is inhomogeneous across countries and still heavily conditioned by treatment costs as well as ethical and cultural factors, rather than reliant on protocols for assessment and standardised treatments. In summary, there is a strong call for multicentric, international, and global health initiatives on DoC to devote resources to the paediatric age, as there is now scope for funders to invest in themes specific to DoC affecting the early years of the life course.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hassna Irzan
- School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Sciences, King’s College London, London WC2R 2LS, UK; (H.I.); (A.M.); (M.M.)
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London, London WC1E 7JE, UK
| | - Marco Pozzi
- Scientific Institute IRCCS E. Medea, Acquired Brain Injury Unit, 22040 Bosisio Parini, Italy; (M.P.); (S.S.)
| | - Nino Chikhladze
- Faculty of Medicine, Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University, Tbilisi 0179, Georgia; (N.C.); (A.T.)
| | - Serghei Cebanu
- Faculty of Medicine, Nicolae Testemitanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, MD-2004 Chišināu, Moldova; (S.C.); (C.C.)
| | - Artashes Tadevosyan
- Department of Public Health and Healthcare Organization, Yerevan State Medical University, Yerevan 0025, Armenia;
| | - Cornelia Calcii
- Faculty of Medicine, Nicolae Testemitanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, MD-2004 Chišināu, Moldova; (S.C.); (C.C.)
| | - Alexander Tsiskaridze
- Faculty of Medicine, Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University, Tbilisi 0179, Georgia; (N.C.); (A.T.)
| | - Andrew Melbourne
- School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Sciences, King’s College London, London WC2R 2LS, UK; (H.I.); (A.M.); (M.M.)
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London, London WC1E 7JE, UK
| | - Sandra Strazzer
- Scientific Institute IRCCS E. Medea, Acquired Brain Injury Unit, 22040 Bosisio Parini, Italy; (M.P.); (S.S.)
- Rehabilitation Service, “Usratuna” Health and Rehabilitation Centre, Juba, South Sudan
| | - Marc Modat
- School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Sciences, King’s College London, London WC2R 2LS, UK; (H.I.); (A.M.); (M.M.)
| | - Erika Molteni
- School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Sciences, King’s College London, London WC2R 2LS, UK; (H.I.); (A.M.); (M.M.)
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10
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Hemodynamics Challenges for the Navigation of Medical Microbots for the Treatment of CVDs. MATERIALS 2021; 14:ma14237402. [PMID: 34885556 PMCID: PMC8658690 DOI: 10.3390/ma14237402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Microbots have been considered powerful tools in minimally invasive medicine. In the last few years, the topic has been highly studied by researchers across the globe to further develop the capabilities of microbots in medicine. One of many applications of these devices is performing surgical procedures inside the human circulatory system. It is expected that these microdevices traveling along the microvascular system can remove clots, deliver drugs, or even look for specific cells or regions to diagnose and treat. Although many studies have been published about this subject, the experimental influence of microbot morphology in hemodynamics of specific sites of the human circulatory system is yet to be explored. There are numerical studies already considering some of human physiological conditions, however, experimental validation is vital and demands further investigations. The roles of specific hemodynamic variables, the non-Newtonian behavior of blood and its particulate nature at small scales, the flow disturbances caused by the heart cycle, and the anatomy of certain arteries (i.e., bifurcations and tortuosity of vessels of some regions) in the determination of the dynamic performance of microbots are of paramount importance. This paper presents a critical analysis of the state-of-the-art literature related to pulsatile blood flow around microbots.
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