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3D-printed aerogels as theranostic implants monitored by fluorescence bioimaging
Ana Iglesias-Mejuto1, Rui Pinto2,3, Pedro Faísca4
1AerogelsLab, I+D Farma Group (GI-1645), Department of Pharmacology, Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, iMATUS and Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, E-15782, Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
This study introduces novel theranostic aerogel implants for tissue engineering, successfully integrating upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) for in vivo bioimaging. These UCNP-decorated aerogels enable long-term scaffold monitoring and demonstrate reduced inflammation post-implantation.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Tissue Engineering
Background:
- Aerogel scaffolds offer promise for tissue engineering but lack in vivo monitoring capabilities due to variable biodegradation.
- Upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) provide fluorescence for bioimaging, presenting an opportunity for scaffold tracking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop theranostic aerogel implants by incorporating UCNPs for simultaneous tissue engineering and in vivo bioimaging.
- To assess the physicochemical properties, stability, biocompatibility, and in vivo performance of UCNP-labeled aerogels.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of 3D-printed alginate-hydroxyapatite aerogels labeled with UCNPs using supercritical CO2 drying.
- Comprehensive characterization including printing fidelity, porosity, microscopy, and 3-year stability testing.
- In vitro, in ovo, and in vivo biocompatibility and bioimaging studies in murine models.
Main Results:
- UCNP-decorated aerogels were successfully manufactured with good physicochemical properties and long-term stability.
- In vivo studies demonstrated biocompatibility, reduced inflammation, and fluorescence-based traceability of scaffolds for up to 3 weeks post-implantation.
- The developed implants function as bifunctional theranostic nanodevices.
Conclusions:
- UCNP-labeled aerogels represent a novel class of theranostic implants for tissue engineering.
- These implants overcome the challenge of in vivo scaffold monitoring, paving the way for advanced regenerative medicine applications.
