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Ultrasound Mediated Polymerization for Cell Delivery, Drug Delivery, and 3D Printing
Lior Debbi1, Majd Machour1, Daniel Dahis1
1Faculty of Biomedical Engineering, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, 3200003, Israel.
Small Methods
|February 20, 2024
Summary
This study introduces a non-invasive method for delivering biocompatible materials like scaffolds, cells, and drugs deep within the body using ultrasound. This novel "acousto-printing" technology offers precise, localized delivery and tunable properties for tissue engineering and drug release.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Regenerative Medicine
- Medical Devices
Background:
- In situ delivery of biocompatible materials is crucial for drug release, tissue scaffolds, and cell transplantation.
- Current delivery methods are often invasive, leading to surgical risks and complications.
- A need exists for non-invasive techniques for targeted delivery of therapeutic materials.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a novel non-invasive method for deep tissue delivery of scaffolds, cells, and drugs.
- To demonstrate the use of acousto-sensitive materials polymerized by ultrasound induction.
- To explore applications in cell delivery, sustained drug release, and 3D bioprinting.
Main Methods:
- Development of acousto-sensitive materials polymerized via ultrasound induction.
- Utilizing an external transducer for rapid, localized polymerization without photoinitiators.
- Demonstration of material delivery for cell transplantation, drug release, and 3D printing.
Main Results:
- Successful delivery of viable and functional cells for tissue restoration.
- Achieved sustained drug release profiles from delivered materials.
- Demonstrated tunable mechanical properties of scaffolds and controlled drug release.
- Showcased the potential for 3D printing and in situ bioprinting, termed 'acousto-printing'.
Conclusions:
- The developed ultrasound-induced polymerization technology enables non-invasive, localized delivery of biocompatible materials.
- This approach offers tunable scaffold properties and controlled drug release for diverse biomedical applications.
- The novel 'acousto-printing' method presents a paradigm shift for in situ bioprinting and regenerative medicine.
