Loading

JSM Biotechnology and Biomedical Engineering

The Potential of Tailored Biomaterials to Radically Change Medical Implants

Editorial | Open Access

  • 1. Department of Biomedical Engineering, Michigan Technological University, USA
  • 2. Department of Material Science and Engineering, Michigan Technological University, USA
+ Show More - Show Less
Corresponding Authors
Megan C. Frost, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Material science and Engineering, Michigan Technological University, USA, Tel: 906-487-3350
Citation

Frost MC (2013) The Potential of Tailored Biomaterials to Radically Change Medical Implants. JSM Biotechnol Bioeng 1(2): 1011.

Editorial

Efforts to treat human disease have long involved the use of natural and synthetic materials contacting blood and tissues. Despite the intentions of restoring function, the materials universally inspire a biological response. This biological response is necessary for normal wound healing to occur. Problems arise when the biological response causes the medical intervention to fail (e.g., artificial vascular graft re-occludes from thrombosis and/or neointimal hyperplasia or subcutaneous glucose sensor becomes encapsulated with collagen). Tremendous research progress has been made over the last several decades in designing and fabricating materials that mimic natural physiological structures, allowing biological response to be controlled and tuned. Additionally, we have a much more detailed understanding of steps involved in the body’s dynamic response to foreign materials. Materials development and biological understanding of the physiological response have both contributed to huge advances in ways we think about treating diseases and design medical devices.

Work has attempted to change the chemical and physical properties of materials used for implanted device. An review by Wisniewski and Reichert [1] describes approaches that have been investigated to modify the surface properties of implantable sensors, but the underlying principles involved and reasons for the specific modifications apply to a wide range of implanted devices. Approaches include use of hydrogels to improve hydrophilicity of surfaces, thereby decreasing protein adsorption and reducing biofouling, modification that incorporates phospholipids on materials to mimic the surface properties of cells, thin Nafion coatings to allow ion diffusion and reduce protein adsorption, and the use of modified natural materials such as cellulose with diols and glycols have shown to reduce compliment activation. A wide range of biomimetic hydrogels that contain additives and different crosslinking agents have allowed porosity to be tuned and controlled [2,3].

Topography is another aspect of materials design that has been shown to governor biological response. Controlling surface roughness impacts protein adsorption, cellular integration and encapsulation. Controlled surface texture has been shown to direct cell growth. For example, highly aligned electrospun fiber that controlled fiber diameter and density have been shown to direct neuron outgrowth and growth and proliferation of lymphatic endothelial cells [4,5]. Controlling the stiffness of tissue scaffolds has been shown to alter cellular responses such as cell-matrix adhesion, size of focal adhesion, motility of cells, differentiation, proliferation and viability [6].

Many drug releasing composite systems have been developed that release one or more active agents that mediate biological response in the physiological environment. Norton et al. [7] developed a hydrogel system based on 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate that released both the anti-inflammatory agent, dexamethasone (DX), and/or the angiogenic agent, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). The idea is that the inflammatory response can be limited while angiogenesis is stimulated. These types of approaches are attempting to combine more optimized materials properties with specific drug release to manipulate the biological response in a manner that more closely resembles normal physiological conditions and behavior.

A very promising active agent for controlled release from implants is nitric oxide (NO). NO is a free radical gas that is toxic in high doses and is a known environmental contaminant. In the 80’s, NO was identified to be the elusive endothelial derived relaxing factor and is now known to be a potent signaling molecule involved in many normal and pathological processes and is released endogenously by many different cells [8]. NO is a potent anti-thrombotic agent [9] and plays a role in mediating the inflammatory response in subcutaneous tissue [10]. NO is an important signaling molecule in shifting inflammation from acute stages to potentially helping in enhancing wound healing. If NO can be released from the surfaces of implanted devices at the appropriate levels and with good temporal control, evidence suggests that NO may radically reduce the biological response [11]. Work in our laboratory and elsewhere has focused on the developing polymeric system that contain NO donors in an attempt to harness the potential of controlled NO release to significantly control biological response to devices fabricated from or coated with these NO-donating polymer systems. By combining the ever-increasing knowledge of details involved in biological response to foreign materials and the ability to release NO and other biologically active agents, the potential exists to create composite systems that will mimic normal physiological conditions.

By including the critically important variable of temporal control over the release of active agents in systems that can respond to the dynamic physiological conditions present in vivo, medical devices have the potential to very elegantly restore appropriate physiological function to damaged and diseased tissue. It is imperative to be mindful of tailoring biomaterials to the site of implantation, the specific medical condition that is under treatment and the ultimate wound healing state that will resolve the condition. The possibility of combining passive materials that by and large have the needed biocompatibility and active release agents that further mediate the biological response to the device opens up an exciting array of potential combined therapeutic active release agents and base materials that address issues of biological response thus making medical interventions vastly more effective.

REFERENCES

1. Wisniewski N, Reichert M. Methods for reducing biosensor membrane biofouling. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces. 2000; 18: 197-219.

2. Kros A, Gerritsen M, Sprakel VSI, Sommerdijk NAJM, Jansen JA, Nolte RJM. Silica-based hybrid materials as biocompatible coatings for glucose sensors. Sens Actuators B: chemical. 2001; 81: 68-75.

3. Ju YM, Yu B, West L, Moussy Y, Moussy F. J Biomed Mater Res. 2009; 92A: 650.

4. Wang HB, Mullins ME, Cregg JM, McCarthy CW, Gilbert RJ. Varying the diameter of aligned electrospun fibers alters neurite outgrowth and Schwann cell migration. Acta Biomater. 2010; 6: 2970-2978.

5. Bouta EM, McCarthy CW, Keim A, Wang HB, Gilbert RJ, Goldman J. Biomaterial guides for lymphatic endothelial cell alignment and migration. Acta Biomater. 2011; 7: 1104-1113.

6. Drexler JW, Powell HM. Regulation of electrospun scaffold stiffness via coaxial core diameter. Acta Biomater. 2011; 7: 1133-1139.

7. Norton LW, Koschwanez HE, Wisniewski NA, Klitzman B, Reichert WM. Vascular endothelial growth factor and dexamethasone release from nonfouling sensor coatings affect the foreign body response. J Biomed Mater Res A. 2007; 81: 858-869.

8. Moncada S. Nitric oxide in the vasculature: physiology and pathophysiology. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 1997; 811: 60-67.

9. Radomski MW, Palmer RM, Moncada S. The role of nitric oxide and cGMP in platelet adhesion to vascular endothelium. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 1987; 148: 1482-1489.

10. Nichols SP, Koh A, Brown NL, Rose MB, Sun B, Slomberg DL, et al. The effect of nitric oxide surface flux on the foreign body response to subcutaneous implants. Biomaterials. 2012; 33: 6305-6312.

11. Wu Y, Meyerhoff ME. Nitric oxide-releasing/generating polymers for the development of implantable chemical sensors with enhanced biocompatibility. Talanta. 2008; 75: 642-650.

Received : 31 Aug 2013
Accepted : 31 Aug 2013
Published : 02 Sep 2013
Journals
Annals of Otolaryngology and Rhinology
ISSN : 2379-948X
Launched : 2014
JSM Schizophrenia
Launched : 2016
Journal of Nausea
Launched : 2020
JSM Internal Medicine
Launched : 2016
JSM Hepatitis
Launched : 2016
JSM Oro Facial Surgeries
ISSN : 2578-3211
Launched : 2016
Journal of Human Nutrition and Food Science
ISSN : 2333-6706
Launched : 2013
JSM Regenerative Medicine and Bioengineering
ISSN : 2379-0490
Launched : 2013
JSM Spine
ISSN : 2578-3181
Launched : 2016
Archives of Palliative Care
ISSN : 2573-1165
Launched : 2016
JSM Nutritional Disorders
ISSN : 2578-3203
Launched : 2017
Annals of Neurodegenerative Disorders
ISSN : 2476-2032
Launched : 2016
Journal of Fever
ISSN : 2641-7782
Launched : 2017
JSM Bone Marrow Research
ISSN : 2578-3351
Launched : 2016
JSM Mathematics and Statistics
ISSN : 2578-3173
Launched : 2014
Journal of Autoimmunity and Research
ISSN : 2573-1173
Launched : 2014
JSM Arthritis
ISSN : 2475-9155
Launched : 2016
JSM Head and Neck Cancer-Cases and Reviews
ISSN : 2573-1610
Launched : 2016
JSM General Surgery Cases and Images
ISSN : 2573-1564
Launched : 2016
JSM Anatomy and Physiology
ISSN : 2573-1262
Launched : 2016
JSM Dental Surgery
ISSN : 2573-1548
Launched : 2016
Annals of Emergency Surgery
ISSN : 2573-1017
Launched : 2016
Annals of Mens Health and Wellness
ISSN : 2641-7707
Launched : 2017
Journal of Preventive Medicine and Health Care
ISSN : 2576-0084
Launched : 2018
Journal of Chronic Diseases and Management
ISSN : 2573-1300
Launched : 2016
Annals of Vaccines and Immunization
ISSN : 2378-9379
Launched : 2014
JSM Heart Surgery Cases and Images
ISSN : 2578-3157
Launched : 2016
Annals of Reproductive Medicine and Treatment
ISSN : 2573-1092
Launched : 2016
JSM Brain Science
ISSN : 2573-1289
Launched : 2016
JSM Biomarkers
ISSN : 2578-3815
Launched : 2014
JSM Biology
ISSN : 2475-9392
Launched : 2016
Archives of Stem Cell and Research
ISSN : 2578-3580
Launched : 2014
Annals of Clinical and Medical Microbiology
ISSN : 2578-3629
Launched : 2014
JSM Pediatric Surgery
ISSN : 2578-3149
Launched : 2017
Journal of Memory Disorder and Rehabilitation
ISSN : 2578-319X
Launched : 2016
JSM Tropical Medicine and Research
ISSN : 2578-3165
Launched : 2016
JSM Head and Face Medicine
ISSN : 2578-3793
Launched : 2016
JSM Cardiothoracic Surgery
ISSN : 2573-1297
Launched : 2016
JSM Bone and Joint Diseases
ISSN : 2578-3351
Launched : 2017
JSM Bioavailability and Bioequivalence
ISSN : 2641-7812
Launched : 2017
JSM Atherosclerosis
ISSN : 2573-1270
Launched : 2016
Journal of Genitourinary Disorders
ISSN : 2641-7790
Launched : 2017
Journal of Fractures and Sprains
ISSN : 2578-3831
Launched : 2016
Journal of Autism and Epilepsy
ISSN : 2641-7774
Launched : 2016
Annals of Marine Biology and Research
ISSN : 2573-105X
Launched : 2014
JSM Health Education & Primary Health Care
ISSN : 2578-3777
Launched : 2016
JSM Communication Disorders
ISSN : 2578-3807
Launched : 2016
Annals of Musculoskeletal Disorders
ISSN : 2578-3599
Launched : 2016
Annals of Virology and Research
ISSN : 2573-1122
Launched : 2014
JSM Renal Medicine
ISSN : 2573-1637
Launched : 2016
Journal of Muscle Health
ISSN : 2578-3823
Launched : 2016
JSM Genetics and Genomics
ISSN : 2334-1823
Launched : 2013
JSM Anxiety and Depression
ISSN : 2475-9139
Launched : 2016
Clinical Journal of Heart Diseases
ISSN : 2641-7766
Launched : 2016
Annals of Medicinal Chemistry and Research
ISSN : 2378-9336
Launched : 2014
JSM Pain and Management
ISSN : 2578-3378
Launched : 2016
JSM Women's Health
ISSN : 2578-3696
Launched : 2016
Clinical Research in HIV or AIDS
ISSN : 2374-0094
Launched : 2013
Journal of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Obesity
ISSN : 2333-6692
Launched : 2013
Journal of Substance Abuse and Alcoholism
ISSN : 2373-9363
Launched : 2013
JSM Neurosurgery and Spine
ISSN : 2373-9479
Launched : 2013
Journal of Liver and Clinical Research
ISSN : 2379-0830
Launched : 2014
Journal of Drug Design and Research
ISSN : 2379-089X
Launched : 2014
JSM Clinical Oncology and Research
ISSN : 2373-938X
Launched : 2013
JSM Bioinformatics, Genomics and Proteomics
ISSN : 2576-1102
Launched : 2014
JSM Chemistry
ISSN : 2334-1831
Launched : 2013
Journal of Trauma and Care
ISSN : 2573-1246
Launched : 2014
JSM Surgical Oncology and Research
ISSN : 2578-3688
Launched : 2016
Annals of Food Processing and Preservation
ISSN : 2573-1033
Launched : 2016
Journal of Radiology and Radiation Therapy
ISSN : 2333-7095
Launched : 2013
JSM Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
ISSN : 2578-3572
Launched : 2016
Annals of Clinical Pathology
ISSN : 2373-9282
Launched : 2013
Annals of Cardiovascular Diseases
ISSN : 2641-7731
Launched : 2016
Journal of Behavior
ISSN : 2576-0076
Launched : 2016
Annals of Clinical and Experimental Metabolism
ISSN : 2572-2492
Launched : 2016
Clinical Research in Infectious Diseases
ISSN : 2379-0636
Launched : 2013
JSM Microbiology
ISSN : 2333-6455
Launched : 2013
Journal of Urology and Research
ISSN : 2379-951X
Launched : 2014
Journal of Family Medicine and Community Health
ISSN : 2379-0547
Launched : 2013
Annals of Pregnancy and Care
ISSN : 2578-336X
Launched : 2017
JSM Cell and Developmental Biology
ISSN : 2379-061X
Launched : 2013
Annals of Aquaculture and Research
ISSN : 2379-0881
Launched : 2014
Clinical Research in Pulmonology
ISSN : 2333-6625
Launched : 2013
Journal of Immunology and Clinical Research
ISSN : 2333-6714
Launched : 2013
Annals of Forensic Research and Analysis
ISSN : 2378-9476
Launched : 2014
JSM Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
ISSN : 2333-7109
Launched : 2013
Annals of Breast Cancer Research
ISSN : 2641-7685
Launched : 2016
Annals of Gerontology and Geriatric Research
ISSN : 2378-9409
Launched : 2014
Journal of Sleep Medicine and Disorders
ISSN : 2379-0822
Launched : 2014
JSM Burns and Trauma
ISSN : 2475-9406
Launched : 2016
Chemical Engineering and Process Techniques
ISSN : 2333-6633
Launched : 2013
Annals of Clinical Cytology and Pathology
ISSN : 2475-9430
Launched : 2014
JSM Allergy and Asthma
ISSN : 2573-1254
Launched : 2016
Journal of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
ISSN : 2334-2307
Launched : 2013
Annals of Sports Medicine and Research
ISSN : 2379-0571
Launched : 2014
JSM Sexual Medicine
ISSN : 2578-3718
Launched : 2016
Annals of Vascular Medicine and Research
ISSN : 2378-9344
Launched : 2014
Journal of Hematology and Transfusion
ISSN : 2333-6684
Launched : 2013
JSM Environmental Science and Ecology
ISSN : 2333-7141
Launched : 2013
Journal of Cardiology and Clinical Research
ISSN : 2333-6676
Launched : 2013
JSM Nanotechnology and Nanomedicine
ISSN : 2334-1815
Launched : 2013
Journal of Ear, Nose and Throat Disorders
ISSN : 2475-9473
Launched : 2016
JSM Ophthalmology
ISSN : 2333-6447
Launched : 2013
Journal of Pharmacology and Clinical Toxicology
ISSN : 2333-7079
Launched : 2013
Annals of Psychiatry and Mental Health
ISSN : 2374-0124
Launched : 2013
Medical Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
ISSN : 2333-6439
Launched : 2013
Annals of Pediatrics and Child Health
ISSN : 2373-9312
Launched : 2013
JSM Clinical Pharmaceutics
ISSN : 2379-9498
Launched : 2014
JSM Foot and Ankle
ISSN : 2475-9112
Launched : 2016
JSM Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementia
ISSN : 2378-9565
Launched : 2014
Journal of Addiction Medicine and Therapy
ISSN : 2333-665X
Launched : 2013
Journal of Veterinary Medicine and Research
ISSN : 2378-931X
Launched : 2013
Annals of Public Health and Research
ISSN : 2378-9328
Launched : 2014
Annals of Orthopedics and Rheumatology
ISSN : 2373-9290
Launched : 2013
Journal of Clinical Nephrology and Research
ISSN : 2379-0652
Launched : 2014
Annals of Community Medicine and Practice
ISSN : 2475-9465
Launched : 2014
Annals of Biometrics and Biostatistics
ISSN : 2374-0116
Launched : 2013
JSM Clinical Case Reports
ISSN : 2373-9819
Launched : 2013
Journal of Cancer Biology and Research
ISSN : 2373-9436
Launched : 2013
Journal of Surgery and Transplantation Science
ISSN : 2379-0911
Launched : 2013
Journal of Dermatology and Clinical Research
ISSN : 2373-9371
Launched : 2013
JSM Gastroenterology and Hepatology
ISSN : 2373-9487
Launched : 2013
Annals of Nursing and Practice
ISSN : 2379-9501
Launched : 2014
JSM Dentistry
ISSN : 2333-7133
Launched : 2013
Author Information X