Cytokine linked biomaterials to improve immune response to implants

Implantable biomaterials are becoming a ubiquitous tool in modern medicine. However, the integration of non-native material into the human body can elicit a deleterious immune response, leading to rejection of the implanted material by the host, while a controllable level of inflammation may promote healing. This technology describes a method to link cytokines, small proteins that interact with immune cells, to the surface of biomaterials. By controlling which cytokines are attached to a biomaterial, inflammatory responses can be regulated, towards improving patient outcome. Development of this technology has the potential to offer new therapeutic options to patients and increase the overall utility and prevalence of implantation-based therapies.

Highly customizable, versatile technology for use with many implantable biomaterials

This technology improves the immune response in patients through cytokine expression on the surface of implantable biomaterials, and may be customized for a diverse array of applications. Molecular-level control over cytokine density and presentation is achieved, permitting the varied expression of specific interleukins, interferons, or other cytokines depending on the intended use of the device. Moreover, the link between the cytokine and the device can be permanent, or conjugated via a degradable linker allowing for release over time.

Prototype tissues have been developed that demonstrate the versatility of this technology.

Lead Inventor:

Gordana Vunjak-Novakovic, Ph.D.

Applications:

• Cytokine coating of common medical devices such as knee and hip prostheses, bone screws, stents, and heart valves to prevent rejection without impacting device performance
• Coating of short-term medical devices such as IV ports and catheters can help suppress local inflammation and decrease patient discomfort
• Cytokines can be conjugated to sutures, bandages, or ointments to promote healing at wound sites
• Research applications can use this technology to direct macrophage activation and expansion

Advantages:

• Reduces negative immune response
• Highly versatile and customizable, applicable to many devices
• Cytokines can be linked permanently or in a way that allows them to be released over time
• Cytokine expression does not alter or impact the function of most devices, while promoting their integration with native tissues

Patent Information:

Patent Pending (US 20160199450

Tech Ventures Reference: IR CU13128

Related Publications:

• Spiller, K.L, Freytes, D.O., Vunjak-Novakovic, G., “Macrophages modulate engineered human tissues for enhanced vascularization and healing” Annals of Biomedical Engineering. 2014 Oct 21;43(3):616-627.