Understanding the in vivo Fate of Advanced Materials by Imaging

Ran Li ¹, Thomas S C Ng ¹, Michelle A Garlin ¹

⁰Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital Research Institute.

Advanced Functional Materials +

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March 28, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

Advanced imaging techniques are crucial for understanding how engineered materials interact with the body, from drug delivery systems to implants. Microscopy and macroscopic imaging reveal material behavior and host responses at various scales, aiding therapeutic development.

Area Of Science

Biomedical Engineering
Pharmacology
Medical Imaging

Background

Engineered materials are widely used in biomedical applications, including drug delivery and implants.
Their efficacy and safety depend on pharmacokinetic (body affects material) and pharmacodynamic (material affects body) principles.
Understanding material behavior requires monitoring across multiple time and length scales.

Purpose Of The Study

To review developments in imaging the in situ behavior of systemically and locally administered engineered materials.
To focus on microscopy's role in understanding transport, target engagement, and host responses at a single-cell level.
To examine the influence of microenvironment, drug release, molecular action, and immune responses.

Main Methods

Survey of translational macroscopic imaging modalities (MRI, PET/CT) for whole-body biodistribution and response.
Utilization of ex vivo approaches and in vivo microscopy for subcellular resolution.
Examination of cellular and molecular responses, including immune cell interactions.

Main Results

Imaging technologies provide insights into both pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of engineered materials.
Microscopy enables detailed analysis of material transport, target engagement, and cellular responses.
Key themes include microenvironmental influences, controlled release, molecular action, and immune system interactions (macrophages, myeloid cells).

Conclusions

Imaging is essential for monitoring engineered materials in biomedical applications.
Microscopy offers critical insights into single-cell level behaviors and host responses.
Future imaging technologies promise to accelerate the clinical translation of next-generation therapeutics and medical devices.

Keywords:

engineered materials in vivo Imaging intravital microscopy material pharmacology pharmacodynamics pharmacokinetics