1
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Capuani S, Hernandez N, Campa-Carranza JN, Di Trani N, Yoshikawa T, Farina M, Joubert AL, Caffey CA, Simeone A, Cho SW, Stayton PS, Chua CYX, Grattoni A. The effect of the foreign body response on drug elution from subdermal delivery systems. Biomaterials 2025; 317:123110. [PMID: 39824001 PMCID: PMC11852395 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2025.123110] [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: 05/02/2024] [Revised: 12/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2025] [Indexed: 01/20/2025]
Abstract
Contrasting findings are presented in the literature regarding the influence of foreign body response (FBR) on drug release from implantable drug delivery systems. To this end, here we sought direct evidence of the effect of the fibrotic tissue on subcutaneous drug release from long-acting drug delivery implants. Specifically, we investigated the pharmacokinetic impact of fibrotic encapsulation on a small molecule drug, islatravir (293 Da), and a large protein, IgG (150 kDa), administered via biocompatible implants. First, solid implants fabricated from biocompatible PMMA resin, nylon, and PLA were used to characterize the degree of FBR in rats. Despite initial material-dependent differences in the early FBR phase, the thickness and composition of the fibrotic capsules normalized in the chronic phase of FBR. Ex vivo assessments indicated an increase in the diffusivity of both molecules over time, aligning with a reduction in collagen density within the fibrotic tissue. Subsequently, reservoir-based drug delivery devices, matching the solid implants in size, shape and material, were implanted to study in vivo pharmacokinetics. The study revealed consistent plasma levels of islatravir across different implant materials and a temporary modulation of IgG release from PMMA resin implants during the acute FBR phase. End-point histological analyses confirmed that the localized delivery neither incited inflammation in the surrounding tissue nor did it alter vascularization. This evidence suggests that, while acute FBR may transiently affect the release of larger molecules, in the absence of acute local inflammation, fibrotic encapsulation does not significantly impact the steady-state release of small molecule drugs from long-acting implantable delivery systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Capuani
- Department of Nanomedicine, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Nathanael Hernandez
- Department of Nanomedicine, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jocelyn Nikita Campa-Carranza
- Department of Nanomedicine, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, USA; School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Monterrey, NL, Mexico
| | - Nicola Di Trani
- Department of Nanomedicine, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Takuma Yoshikawa
- Department of Bioengineering and Molecular Engineering & Sciences Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Marco Farina
- Department of Nanomedicine, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ashley L Joubert
- Department of Nanomedicine, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Camden A Caffey
- Department of Nanomedicine, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Alessio Simeone
- Department of Nanomedicine, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, USA; Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Politecnico di Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Seo Won Cho
- College of Medicine Texas A&M University, Bryan, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Patrick S Stayton
- Department of Bioengineering and Molecular Engineering & Sciences Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Alessandro Grattoni
- Department of Nanomedicine, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, USA; Department of Surgery, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, USA; Department of Radiation Oncology, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, USA.
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2
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Wallace EJ, O'Dwyer J, Dolan EB, Burke LP, Wylie R, Bellavia G, Straino S, Cianfarani F, Ciotti G, Serini S, Calviello G, Roche ET, Mitra T, Duffy GP. Actuation-Mediated Compression of a Mechanoresponsive Hydrogel by Soft Robotics to Control Release of Therapeutic Proteins. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2025; 12:e2401744. [PMID: 39692747 PMCID: PMC11831469 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202401744] [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: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 07/31/2024] [Indexed: 12/19/2024]
Abstract
Therapeutic proteins, the fastest growing class of pharmaceuticals, are subject to rapid proteolytic degradation in vivo, rendering them inactive. Sophisticated drug delivery systems that maintain protein stability, prolong therapeutic effects, and reduce administration frequency are urgently required. Herein, a mechanoresponsive hydrogel is developed contained within a soft robotic drug delivery (SRDD) device. In a step-change from previously reported systems, pneumatic actuation of this system releases the cationic therapeutic protein Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) in a bioactive form which is required for therapeutic angiogenesis, the growth of new blood vessels, in numerous clinical conditions. The ability of the SRDD device to release bioactive VEGF in a spatiotemporal manner from the hydrogel is tested in diabetic rats - a model in which angiogenesis is difficult to stimulate. Daily actuation of the SRDD device in the diabetic rat model significantly increased cluster of differentiation 31+ (CD31+) blood vessel number (p = 0.0335) and the diameter of alpha-smooth muscle actin+ (α-SMA+) blood vessels (p = 0.0025) compared to passive release of VEGF from non-actuated devices. The SRDD device combined with the mechanoresponsive hydrogel offers the potential to deliver an array of bioactive therapeutics in a spatiotemporal manner to mimic their natural release in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eimear J. Wallace
- Anatomy and Regenerative Medicine Institute (REMEDI)School of MedicineCollege of Medicine Nursing and Health SciencesUniversity of GalwayGalwayH91 W2TYIreland
- Explora‐Bioscience SrlG. Peroni 386Rome00131Italy
| | - Joanne O'Dwyer
- Pharmacology and TherapeuticsSchool of MedicineCollege of Medicine Nursing and Health SciencesUniversity of GalwayGalwayH91 W2TYIreland
| | - Eimear B. Dolan
- Anatomy and Regenerative Medicine Institute (REMEDI)School of MedicineCollege of Medicine Nursing and Health SciencesUniversity of GalwayGalwayH91 W2TYIreland
- CÚRAMSFI Research Centre for Medical DevicesUniversity of GalwayGalwayH91 W2TYIreland
- Biomedical EngineeringSchool of EngineeringUniversity of GalwayGalwayH91 HX31Ireland
| | - Liam P. Burke
- Anatomy and Regenerative Medicine Institute (REMEDI)School of MedicineCollege of Medicine Nursing and Health SciencesUniversity of GalwayGalwayH91 W2TYIreland
- Antimicrobial Resistance and Microbial Ecology GroupSchool of Medicine, College of Medicine Nursing and Health SciencesUniversity of GalwayGalwayH91 DK59Ireland
- Centre for One HealthRyan InstituteUniversity of GalwayGalwayH91 DK59Ireland
| | - Robert Wylie
- Anatomy and Regenerative Medicine Institute (REMEDI)School of MedicineCollege of Medicine Nursing and Health SciencesUniversity of GalwayGalwayH91 W2TYIreland
| | | | | | | | | | - Simona Serini
- Department of Translational Medicine and SurgerySection of General Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and SurgeryUniversità Cattolica del Sacro CuoreLargo F. VitoRome1‐00168Italy
| | - Gabriella Calviello
- Department of Translational Medicine and SurgerySection of General Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and SurgeryUniversità Cattolica del Sacro CuoreLargo F. VitoRome1‐00168Italy
| | - Ellen T. Roche
- Institute for Medical Engineering and ScienceMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeMA 01239USA
- Harvard‐MIT Program in Health Sciences and TechnologyCambridgeMA02139USA
- Department of Mechanical EngineeringMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeMA02139USA
| | - Tapas Mitra
- Anatomy and Regenerative Medicine Institute (REMEDI)School of MedicineCollege of Medicine Nursing and Health SciencesUniversity of GalwayGalwayH91 W2TYIreland
- CÚRAMSFI Research Centre for Medical DevicesUniversity of GalwayGalwayH91 W2TYIreland
| | - Garry P. Duffy
- Anatomy and Regenerative Medicine Institute (REMEDI)School of MedicineCollege of Medicine Nursing and Health SciencesUniversity of GalwayGalwayH91 W2TYIreland
- CÚRAMSFI Research Centre for Medical DevicesUniversity of GalwayGalwayH91 W2TYIreland
- SFI Centre for Advanced Materials and BioEngineering Research Centre (AMBER)Trinity College DublinDublinD02 W9K7Ireland
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3
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Yin S, Yao DR, Song Y, Heng W, Ma X, Han H, Gao W. Wearable and Implantable Soft Robots. Chem Rev 2024; 124:11585-11636. [PMID: 39392765 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.4c00513] [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: 10/13/2024]
Abstract
Soft robotics presents innovative solutions across different scales. The flexibility and mechanical characteristics of soft robots make them particularly appealing for wearable and implantable applications. The scale and level of invasiveness required for soft robots depend on the extent of human interaction. This review provides a comprehensive overview of wearable and implantable soft robots, including applications in rehabilitation, assistance, organ simulation, surgical tools, and therapy. We discuss challenges such as the complexity of fabrication processes, the integration of responsive materials, and the need for robust control strategies, while focusing on advances in materials, actuation and sensing mechanisms, and fabrication techniques. Finally, we discuss the future outlook, highlighting key challenges and proposing potential solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shukun Yin
- Andrew and Peggy Cherng Department of Medical Engineering, Division of Engineering and Applied Science, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California 91125, United States
| | - Dickson R Yao
- Andrew and Peggy Cherng Department of Medical Engineering, Division of Engineering and Applied Science, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California 91125, United States
| | - Yu Song
- Andrew and Peggy Cherng Department of Medical Engineering, Division of Engineering and Applied Science, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California 91125, United States
| | - Wenzheng Heng
- Andrew and Peggy Cherng Department of Medical Engineering, Division of Engineering and Applied Science, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California 91125, United States
| | - Xiaotian Ma
- Andrew and Peggy Cherng Department of Medical Engineering, Division of Engineering and Applied Science, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California 91125, United States
| | - Hong Han
- Andrew and Peggy Cherng Department of Medical Engineering, Division of Engineering and Applied Science, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California 91125, United States
| | - Wei Gao
- Andrew and Peggy Cherng Department of Medical Engineering, Division of Engineering and Applied Science, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California 91125, United States
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4
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Mendez K, Whyte W, Freedman BR, Fan Y, Varela CE, Singh M, Cintron-Cruz JC, Rothenbücher SE, Li J, Mooney DJ, Roche ET. Mechanoresponsive Drug Release from a Flexible, Tissue-Adherent, Hybrid Hydrogel Actuator. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2303301. [PMID: 37310046 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202303301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Soft robotic technologies for therapeutic biomedical applications require conformal and atraumatic tissue coupling that is amenable to dynamic loading for effective drug delivery or tissue stimulation. This intimate and sustained contact offers vast therapeutic opportunities for localized drug release. Herein, a new class of hybrid hydrogel actuator (HHA) that facilitates enhanced drug delivery is introduced. The multi-material soft actuator can elicit a tunable mechanoresponsive release of charged drug from its alginate/acrylamide hydrogel layer with temporal control. Dosing control parameters include actuation magnitude, frequency, and duration. The actuator can safely adhere to tissue via a flexible, drug-permeable adhesive bond that can withstand dynamic device actuation. Conformal adhesion of the hybrid hydrogel actuator to tissue leads to improved mechanoresponsive spatial delivery of the drug. Future integration of this hybrid hydrogel actuator with other soft robotic assistive technologies can enable a synergistic, multi-pronged treatment approach for the treatment of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keegan Mendez
- Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 01239, USA
- Harvard-MIT Program in Health Sciences and Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - William Whyte
- Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 01239, USA
| | - Benjamin R Freedman
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 01238, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Yiling Fan
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Claudia E Varela
- Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 01239, USA
| | - Manisha Singh
- Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 01239, USA
| | - Juan C Cintron-Cruz
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 01238, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
| | - Sandra E Rothenbücher
- Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 01239, USA
| | - Jianyu Li
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3A 0C3, Canada
| | - David J Mooney
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 01238, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
| | - Ellen T Roche
- Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 01239, USA
- Harvard-MIT Program in Health Sciences and Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
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5
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Kurt I, Krauhausen I, Spolaor S, van de Burgt Y. Predicting Blood Glucose Levels with Organic Neuromorphic Micro-Networks. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2308261. [PMID: 38682442 PMCID: PMC11251550 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202308261] [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: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Accurate glucose prediction is vital for diabetes management. Artificial intelligence and artificial neural networks (ANNs) are showing promising results for reliable glucose predictions, offering timely warnings for glucose fluctuations. The translation of these software-based ANNs into dedicated computing hardware opens a route toward automated insulin delivery systems ultimately enhancing the quality of life for diabetic patients. ANNs are transforming this field, potentially leading to implantable smart prediction devices and ultimately to a fully artificial pancreas. However, this transition presents several challenges, including the need for specialized, compact, lightweight, and low-power hardware. Organic polymer-based electronics are a promising solution as they have the ability to implement the behavior of neural networks, operate at low voltage, and possess key attributes like flexibility, stretchability, and biocompatibility. Here, the study focuses on implementing software-based neural networks for glucose prediction into hardware systems. How to minimize network requirements, downscale the architecture, and integrate the neural network with electrochemical neuromorphic organic devices, meeting the strict demands of smart implants for in-body computation of glucose prediction is investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim Kurt
- MicrosystemsInstitute for Complex Molecular SystemsEindhoven University of TechnologyEindhoven5612 AEThe Netherlands
| | - Imke Krauhausen
- MicrosystemsInstitute for Complex Molecular SystemsEindhoven University of TechnologyEindhoven5612 AEThe Netherlands
- Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research55128MainzGermany
| | - Simone Spolaor
- MicrosystemsInstitute for Complex Molecular SystemsEindhoven University of TechnologyEindhoven5612 AEThe Netherlands
| | - Yoeri van de Burgt
- MicrosystemsInstitute for Complex Molecular SystemsEindhoven University of TechnologyEindhoven5612 AEThe Netherlands
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6
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Wu J, Deng J, Theocharidis G, Sarrafian TL, Griffiths LG, Bronson RT, Veves A, Chen J, Yuk H, Zhao X. Adhesive anti-fibrotic interfaces on diverse organs. Nature 2024; 630:360-367. [PMID: 38778109 PMCID: PMC11168934 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07426-9] [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: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Implanted biomaterials and devices face compromised functionality and efficacy in the long term owing to foreign body reactions and subsequent formation of fibrous capsules at the implant-tissue interfaces1-4. Here we demonstrate that an adhesive implant-tissue interface can mitigate fibrous capsule formation in diverse animal models, including rats, mice, humanized mice and pigs, by reducing the level of infiltration of inflammatory cells into the adhesive implant-tissue interface compared to the non-adhesive implant-tissue interface. Histological analysis shows that the adhesive implant-tissue interface does not form observable fibrous capsules on diverse organs, including the abdominal wall, colon, stomach, lung and heart, over 12 weeks in vivo. In vitro protein adsorption, multiplex Luminex assays, quantitative PCR, immunofluorescence analysis and RNA sequencing are additionally carried out to validate the hypothesis. We further demonstrate long-term bidirectional electrical communication enabled by implantable electrodes with an adhesive interface over 12 weeks in a rat model in vivo. These findings may offer a promising strategy for long-term anti-fibrotic implant-tissue interfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Wu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jue Deng
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Georgios Theocharidis
- Joslin-Beth Israel Deaconess Foot Center and The Rongxiang Xu, MD, Center for Regenerative Therapeutics, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Leigh G Griffiths
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | | | - Aristidis Veves
- Joslin-Beth Israel Deaconess Foot Center and The Rongxiang Xu, MD, Center for Regenerative Therapeutics, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jianzhu Chen
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research and Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Hyunwoo Yuk
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- SanaHeal, Cambridge, MA, USA.
| | - Xuanhe Zhao
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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7
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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.
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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
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8
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Park J, Ghanim R, Rahematpura A, Gerage C, Abramson A. Electromechanical convective drug delivery devices for overcoming diffusion barriers. J Control Release 2024; 366:650-667. [PMID: 38190971 PMCID: PMC10922834 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.01.008] [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: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
Drug delivery systems which rely on diffusion for mass transport, such as hydrogels and nanoparticles, have enhanced drug targeting and extended delivery profiles to improve health outcomes for patients suffering from diseases including cancer and diabetes. However, diffusion-dependent systems often fail to provide >0.01-1% drug bioavailability when transporting macromolecules across poorly permeable physiological tissues such as the skin, solid tumors, the blood-brain barrier, and the gastrointestinal walls. Convection-enabling robotic ingestibles, wearables, and implantables physically interact with tissue walls to improve bioavailability in these settings by multiple orders of magnitude through convective mass transfer, the process of moving drug molecules via bulk fluid flow. In this Review, we compare diffusive and convective drug delivery systems, highlight engineering techniques that enhance the efficacy of convective devices, and provide examples of synergies between the two methods of drug transport.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jihoon Park
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Ramy Ghanim
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Adwik Rahematpura
- The Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Caroline Gerage
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Alex Abramson
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA; The Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA; Division of Digestive Diseases, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
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9
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Shen D, Yu H, Wang L, Wang Y, Feng J, Li C. Electrostatic-Interaction-Aided Microneedle Patch for Enhanced Glucose-Responsive Insulin Delivery and Three-Meal-Per-Day Blood-Glucose Regulation. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024; 16:4449-4461. [PMID: 38252958 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c16540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
The phenylborate-ester-cross-linked hydrogel microneedle patch (MNP) was promising in the diabetic field for the glucose-responsive insulin-delivering property and simple fabrication process. However, the unfit design of the charging microneedle network limited the improvement of blood-glucose regulating performances. In this work, insulin-loaded phenylborate-ester-cross-linked MNPs, with the polyzwitterion property, were constructed based on the modified ε-polylysine and poly(vinyl alcohol). The relationship between the charging nature of the MNP network and insulin release was verified by regulating the content of postprotonated positively charged amino groups. The elaborately designed MNP possessed improved glucose-responsive insulin-delivering performance. The in vivo study revealed the satisfactory results on blood-glucose regulation by the optimized MNP under the mimic three-meal-per-day mode. Moreover, the insulin bioactivity in the MNP could be maintained for 2 weeks under 25 °C. In summary, this work developed an effective strategy to improve the glucose-responsive phenylborate-ester-cross-linked MNP and enhance its potential for clinical transformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, P. R. China
| | - Haojie Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, P. R. China
- Zhejiang-Russia Joint Laboratory of Photo-Electro-Magnetic Functional Materials, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, P. R. China
| | - Li Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, P. R. China
- Zhejiang-Russia Joint Laboratory of Photo-Electro-Magnetic Functional Materials, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, P. R. China
| | - Yu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, P. R. China
| | - Jingyi Feng
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Evaluation Technology for Medical Device of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, P. R. China
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, P. R. China
| | - Chengjiang Li
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, P. R. China
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10
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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.
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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.
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11
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Abstract
Bioadhesives have emerged as transformative and versatile tools in healthcare, offering the ability to attach tissues with ease and minimal damage. These materials present numerous opportunities for tissue repair and biomedical device integration, creating a broad landscape of applications that have captivated clinical and scientific interest alike. However, fully unlocking their potential requires multifaceted design strategies involving optimal adhesion, suitable biological interactions, and efficient signal communication. In this Review, we delve into these pivotal aspects of bioadhesive design, highlight the latest advances in their biomedical applications, and identify potential opportunities that lie ahead for bioadhesives as multifunctional technology platforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah J Wu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Xuanhe Zhao
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
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12
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Ghanim R, Kaushik A, Park J, Abramson A. Communication Protocols Integrating Wearables, Ingestibles, and Implantables for Closed-Loop Therapies. DEVICE 2023; 1:100092. [PMID: 38465200 PMCID: PMC10923538 DOI: 10.1016/j.device.2023.100092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Body-conformal sensors and tissue interfacing robotic therapeutics enable the real-time monitoring and treatment of diabetes, wound healing, and other critical conditions. By integrating sensors and drug delivery devices, scientists and engineers have developed closed-loop drug delivery systems with on-demand therapeutic capabilities to provide just-in-time treatments that correspond to chemical, electrical, and physical signals of a target morbidity. To enable closed-loop functionality in vivo, engineers utilize various low-power means of communication that reduce the size of implants by orders of magnitude, increase device lifetime from hours to months, and ensure the secure high-speed transfer of data. In this review, we highlight how communication protocols used to integrate sensors and drug delivery devices, such as radio frequency communication (e.g., Bluetooth, near-field communication), in-body communication, and ultrasound, enable improved treatment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramy Ghanim
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Anika Kaushik
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Jihoon Park
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Alex Abramson
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
- The Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
- Division of Digestive Diseases, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
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13
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Beatty R, Mendez KL, Schreiber LHJ, Tarpey R, Whyte W, Fan Y, Robinson ST, O'Dwyer J, Simpkin AJ, Tannian J, Dockery P, Dolan EB, Roche ET, Duffy GP. Soft robot-mediated autonomous adaptation to fibrotic capsule formation for improved drug delivery. Sci Robot 2023; 8:eabq4821. [PMID: 37647382 DOI: 10.1126/scirobotics.abq4821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
The foreign body response impedes the function and longevity of implantable drug delivery devices. As a dense fibrotic capsule forms, integration of the device with the host tissue becomes compromised, ultimately resulting in device seclusion and treatment failure. We present FibroSensing Dynamic Soft Reservoir (FSDSR), an implantable drug delivery device capable of monitoring fibrotic capsule formation and overcoming its effects via soft robotic actuations. Occlusion of the FSDSR porous membrane was monitored over 7 days in a rodent model using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The electrical resistance of the fibrotic capsule correlated to its increase in thickness and volume. Our FibroSensing membrane showed great sensitivity in detecting changes at the abiotic/biotic interface, such as collagen deposition and myofibroblast proliferation. The potential of the FSDSR to overcome fibrotic capsule formation and maintain constant drug dosing over time was demonstrated in silico and in vitro. Controlled closed loop release of methylene blue into agarose gels (with a comparable fold change in permeability relating to 7 and 28 days in vivo) was achieved by adjusting the magnitude and frequency of pneumatic actuations after impedance measurements by the FibroSensing membrane. By sensing fibrotic capsule formation in vivo, the FSDSR will be capable of probing and adapting to the foreign body response through dynamic actuation changes. Informed by real-time sensor signals, this device offers the potential for long-term efficacy and sustained drug dosing, even in the setting of fibrotic capsule formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Beatty
- Anatomy and Regenerative Medicine Institute (REMEDI), School of Medicine, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
- SFI Centre for Advanced Materials and BioEngineering Research (AMBER), Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Keegan L Mendez
- Harvard-MIT Program in Health Sciences and Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Lucien H J Schreiber
- Anatomy and Regenerative Medicine Institute (REMEDI), School of Medicine, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Ruth Tarpey
- 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
- Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - William Whyte
- Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Yiling Fan
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Scott T Robinson
- Anatomy and Regenerative Medicine Institute (REMEDI), School of Medicine, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
- SFI Centre for Advanced Materials and BioEngineering Research (AMBER), Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Joanne O'Dwyer
- Anatomy and Regenerative Medicine Institute (REMEDI), School of Medicine, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Andrew J Simpkin
- School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Joseph Tannian
- Anatomy and Regenerative Medicine Institute (REMEDI), School of Medicine, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Peter Dockery
- Anatomy and Regenerative Medicine Institute (REMEDI), School of Medicine, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Eimear B Dolan
- 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
- Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Ellen T Roche
- Harvard-MIT Program in Health Sciences and Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - 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 (AMBER), Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- CÚRAM, Centre for Research in Medical Devices, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
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14
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Tasmim S, Yousuf Z, Rahman FS, Seelig E, Clevenger AJ, VandenHeuvel SN, Ambulo CP, Raghavan S, Zimmern PE, Romero-Ortega MI, Ware TH. Liquid crystal elastomer based dynamic device for urethral support: Potential treatment for stress urinary incontinence. Biomaterials 2023; 292:121912. [PMID: 36434829 PMCID: PMC9772118 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2022.121912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is characterized by the involuntary loss of urine due to increased intra-abdominal pressure during coughing, sneezing, or exercising. SUI affects 20-40% of the female population and is exacerbated by aging. Severe SUI is commonly treated with surgical implantation of an autologous or a synthetic sling underneath the urethra for support. These slings, however, are static, and their tension cannot be non-invasively adjusted, if needed, after implantation. This study reports the fabrication of a novel device based on liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) capable of changing shape in response to temperature increase induced by transcutaneous IR light. The shape change of the LCE-based device was characterized in a scar tissue phantom model. An in vitro urinary tract model was designed to study the efficacy of the LCE-based device to support continence and adjust sling tension with IR illumination. Finally, the device was acutely implanted and tested for induced tension changes in female multiparous New Zealand white rabbits. The LCE device achieved 5.6% ± 1.1% actuation when embedded in an agar gel with an elastic modulus of 100 kPa. The corresponding device temperature was 44.9 °C ± 0.4 °C, and the surrounding agar temperature stayed at 42.1 °C ± 0.4 °C. Leaking time in the in vitro urinary tract model significantly decreased (p < 0.0001) when an LCE-based cuff was sutured around the model urethra from 5.2min ± 1min to 2min ±0.5min when the cuff was illuminated with IR light. Normalized leak point force (LPF) increased significantly (p = 0.01) with the implantation of an LCE-CB cuff around the bladder neck of multiparous rabbits. It decreased significantly (p = 0.023) when the device was actuated via IR light illumination. These results demonstrate that LCE material could be used to fabricate a dynamic device for treating SUI in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seelay Tasmim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Zuha Yousuf
- Departments of Bioengineering and Biomedical Science, University of Houston, Houston, TX, 77004, USA
| | - Farial S Rahman
- Departments of Bioengineering and Biomedical Science, University of Houston, Houston, TX, 77004, USA
| | - Emily Seelig
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Abigail J Clevenger
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Sabrina N VandenHeuvel
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Cedric P Ambulo
- Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, Air Force Research Laboratory, Dayton, OH, 45433, USA
| | - Shreya Raghavan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Philippe E Zimmern
- Department of Urology, The University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Mario I Romero-Ortega
- Departments of Bioengineering and Biomedical Science, University of Houston, Houston, TX, 77004, USA
| | - Taylor H Ware
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA.
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