Polyvinyl Alcohol Cryogel Research Articles

Evaluation of polyvinyl alcohol cryogel as an acoustic coupling medium for low‐intensity transcranial focused ultrasound

ABSTRACTTranscranial focused ultrasound (FUS) has emerged as a noninvasive neuromodulatory modality with exquisite depth penetration and spatial selectivity. Liquids, such as degassed water or mineral oil, are used as acoustic coupling media between the ultrasound‐generating transducer and the brain; however, they require a separate container that limits the spatial orientation of the transducers with respect to the sonication target. Nonliquid, gel‐like materials that do not require a housing container have been sought after as coupling media to overcome such limitations. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), when dissolved in water and undergone freeze–thaw cycle(s), forms a flexible hydrogel having a high level of acoustic transmission. To examine the feasibility of the PVA cryogel as the coupling material for transcranial FUS, the mechanical properties (in terms of its Young's modulus) and acoustic attenuation of the PVA cryogel were examined using different concentrations and number of freeze–thaw cycles. The cryogel with 6 or 7% (w/v) concentrations and two freeze–thaw cycles showed minimum pressure attenuation (on the order of 1%) across the different ultrasound frequencies (250–650 kHz). The cryogel was molded to fit around a single‐element FUS transducer and was applied to a head phantom, showing the flexibility in orienting the sonication paths at different angles and depths. The use of the cryogel did not alter the location and shape of acoustic focal profile compared to the one measured in the degassed water. The present work suggests that PVA cryogel may be used as an alternative acoustic coupling medium for low‐intensity FUS applications.

Anisotropic polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel phantom for shear wave elastography in fibrous biological soft tissue: a multimodality characterization

Shear wave elastography imaging techniques provide quantitative measurement of soft tissues elastic properties. Tendons, muscles and cerebral tissues are composed of fibers, which induce a strong anisotropic effect on the mechanical behavior. Currently, these tissues cannot be accurately represented by existing elastography phantoms. Recently, a novel approach for orthotropic hydrogel mimicking soft tissues has been developed (Millon et al J. Biomed. Mater. Res. B 305–11). The mechanical anisotropy is induced in a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) cryogel by stretching the physical crosslinks of the polymeric chains while undergoing freeze/thaw cycles. In the present study we propose an original multimodality imaging characterization of this new transverse isotropic (TI) PVA hydrogel. Multiple properties were investigated using a large variety of techniques at different scales compared with an isotropic PVA hydrogel undergoing similar imaging and rheology protocols. The anisotropic mechanical (dynamic and static) properties were studied using supersonic shear wave imaging technique, full-field optical coherence tomography (FFOCT) strain imaging and classical linear rheometry using dynamic mechanical analysis. The anisotropic optical and ultrasonic spatial coherence properties were measured by FFOCT volumetric imaging and backscatter tensor imaging, respectively. Correlation of mechanical and optical properties demonstrates the complementarity of these techniques for the study of anisotropy on a multi-scale range as well as the potential of this TI phantom as fibrous tissue-mimicking phantom for shear wave elastographic applications.

Characterization and mechanical performance study of silk/PVA cryogels: towards nucleus pulposus tissue engineering

Poly (vinyl) alcohol (PVA) cryogels are reported in the literature for application in nucleus pulposus (NP) replacement strategies. However, these studies are mainly limited to acellular approaches—in part due to the high hydrophilicity of PVA gels that renders cellular adhesion difficult. Silk is a versatile biomaterial with excellent biocompatibility. We hypothesize that the incorporation of silk with PVA will (i) improve the cell-hosting abilities of PVA cryogels and (ii) allow better tailoring of physical properties of the composite cryogels for an NP tissue engineering purpose. 5% (wt/vol) PVA is blended with 5% silk fibroin (wt/vol) to investigate the effect of silk : PVA ratios on the cryogels’ physical properties. Results show that the addition of silk results in composite cryogels that are able to swell to more than 10 times its original dry weight and rehydrate to at least 70% of its original wet weight. Adding at least 20% silk significantly improves surface hydrophobicity and is correlated with an improvement in cell-hosting abilities. Cell-seeded cryogels also display an increment in compressive modulus and hoop stress values. In all, adding silk to PVA creates cryogels that can be potentially used as NP replacements.

Biosensors based on the luminous bacteria Photobaterium phosphoreum immobilized in polyvinyl alcohol cryogel for the monitoring of ecotoxicants

Biosensors based on the luminous bacteria Photobaterium phosphoreum immobilized in polyvinyl alcohol cryogel for the monitoring of ecotoxicants

The Synthesis and Characterization of PVA-Ketoprofen Cryogel, Biomaterial with Extended Drug Release Properties for Cartilage Replacement

The present paper aims to study the possibility to modify the properties of polyvinyl alcohol (pva) cryogels prepared in the presence of ketoprofen in order to replace the damaged articular cartilage. Articular cartilage is the most important part of articulation characterized by very low friction, high wear resistance, and poor regenerative qualities. Polyvinyl alcohol is a non-expensive polymer, versatile and adaptable to various needs, with exceptional properties such as water solubility, biocompatibility, non-toxicity and with capability to form hydrogels by chemical or physical methods. The aims of this paper are the synthesis, the physicochemical characterization and analysis of the tribological properties of pva cryogels for cartilage replacement and the introduction of new concept in medication by creating the cryogel like a controlled drug release system. The morphology of the cryogels, the interaction between the pva macromolecular chains and medicament has been studied by Scanning Electronic Microscopy. The gels swelling in physiologic ser have been monitored by gravimetric method in order to evidence the hydrophilic properties. The mechanical properties of the cryogels have been investigated by dynamic mechanical measurements. In conclusion, the biomaterial obtained provides good swelling properties, mechanical resistance and it is ideal for extended drug release implantable systems.

ATP pool and bioluminescence in psychrophilic bacteria Photobacterium phosphoreum

Bioluminescence activity and ATP pool were investigated in the culture of psychrophilic bacteria Photobacterium phosphoreum collected-from the exponential and stationary growth phases, as well as immobilized in polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) cryogel. In liquid culture, ATP pool remained at an almost a constant level throughout the luminescence cycle (over 100 h). The ATP pool in the stationary-phase and PVA-immobilizedl cells remained constant throughout their incubation in the medium (over 200 h) and in 3% NaCl solution (over 100 h): Quantitative assessment of integral photon yield and ATP pool indicated that bioluminescence decay in growing or stationary cells was not caused by limitation by the energy substrates of the luciferase reaction. Kinetic and quantitative parameters of emission activity and ATP pool excluded the possibility of formation of the aldehyde substrate for luciferase via reduction of the relevant fatty acids in NADPH and ATP-dependent reductase reaction and its oxidation in the monooxygenase reaction. Our results indicate that the aliphatic aldehyde is not utilized in the process of light emission.

Evaluation of vascular grafts based on polyvinyl alcohol cryogels.

The present study designed and developed blood vessel substitutes (BVSs) composed of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) cryogels. The in vitro results demonstrated that the coating of the polymer with lyophilized decellularized vascular matrix (DVM) greatly enhanced the adhesion of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). However, when PVA̸DVM BVSs were implanted into the abdominal aorta of Sprague‑Dawley rats, DVM was identified as a highly thrombogenic surface resulting in the mortality of all animals 3‑4 days after surgery. By contrast, all rats implanted with PVA survived and were sacrificed after 12 months. The luminal surface of the explanted grafts was completely covered by endothelial cells and the inner diameter was similar to that of the original vessel. In conclusion, the present study indicated that PVA may be considered as a promising biomaterial for the fabrication of artificial vessels.

Pulsatile flow characterization in a vessel phantom with elastic wall using ultrasonic particle image velocimetry technique: the impact of vessel stiffness on flow dynamics.

This study aims to experimentally investigate the impact of vessel stiffness on the flow dynamics of pulsatile vascular flow. Vessel phantoms with elastic walls were fabricated using polyvinyl alcohol cryogel to result in stiffness ranging from 60.9 to 310.3 kPa and tested with pulsatile flows using a flow circulation set-up. Two-dimensional instantaneous and time-dependent flow velocity and shear rate vector fields were measured using ultrasonic particle image velocimetry (EchoPIV). The waveforms of peak velocities measured by EchoPIV were compared with the ultrasonic pulse Doppler spectrum, and the measuring accuracy was validated. The cyclic vessel wall motion and flow pressure were obtained as well. The results showed that vessel stiffening influenced the waveforms resulting from vessel wall distension and flow pressure, and the fields of flow velocity and shear rate. The stiffer vessel had smaller inner diameter variation, larger pulse pressure and median pressure. The velocity and shear rate maximized at peak systole for all vessels. The results showed a decrease in wall shear stress for a stiffer vessel, which can initiate the atherosclerotic process. Our study elucidates the impact of vessel stiffness on several flow dynamic parameters, and also demonstrates the EchoPIV technique to be a useful and powerful tool in cardiovascular research.

Lymphadenopathy: Defining a palpable lymph node

The threshold size required to detect lymphadenopathy via palpation has never been formally determined. The purpose of this study was to determine the threshold, sensitivity, and error of node palpation and how this changes with experience. Lymphadenopathy models were created using polyvinyl alcohol cryogel (PVA-C) to mimic tissue tactility. Node diameter ranged from 0.5 to 4 cm. Study subjects were medical students, otolaryngology residents, and otolaryngology consultants. Each subject provided 22 estimates of size. Primary outcomes were the sensitivity, error (true vs estimated size), and threshold of palpation. Thirty subjects completed the study. Sensitivity was 60%, 74%, and 86% for students, residents, and consultants, respectively (p < .01). Error was 0.88 cm, 0.61 cm, and 0.57 cm, respectively (p < .05). Palpation threshold was 1.32 cm, 0.83 cm, and 0.75 cm, respectively (p < .05). All participants detected nodes ≥2 cm, whereas consultants detected nodes ≥1 cm. Experience is associated with decreased palpation threshold and error, and increased sensitivity. Educational interventions should target nodes <2 cm.

Endovascular Shear Strain Elastography for the Detection and Characterization of the Severity of Atherosclerotic Plaques: In Vitro Validation and In Vivo Evaluation

This work explores the potential of shear strain elastograms to identify vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques. The Lagrangian speckle model estimator (LSME) elasticity imaging method was further developed to estimate shear strain elasticity (SSE). Three polyvinyl alcohol cryogel vessel phantoms were imaged with an intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) scanner. The estimated SSE maps were validated against finite-element results. Atherosclerosis was induced in carotid arteries of eight Sinclair mini-pigs using a combination of surgical techniques, diabetes and a high-fat diet. IVUS images were acquired in vivo in 14 plaques before euthanasia and histology. All plaques were characterized by high magnitudes in SSE maps that correlated with American Heart Association atherosclerosis stage classifications (r = 0.97, p < 0.001): the worse the plaque condition the higher was the absolute value of SSE, i.e. |SSE| (e.g., mean |SSE| was 3.70 ± 0.40% in Type V plaques, whereas it was reduced to 0.11 ± 0.01% in normal walls). This study indicates the feasibility of using SSE to highlight atherosclerotic plaque vulnerability characteristics.

Comparison of phenanthrene biodegradation by free and immobilized cell systems: formation of hydroxylated compounds

One of the foremost environmental issues having a key role in the feasibility study of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) biodegradation is the concern of the toxicity of the formed intermediate metabolites. In this study, biodegradability of phenanthrene (PHE) at initial concentrations of 100-500ppm and its hydroxylated intermediate metabolites (IMs) in aqueous phase were investigated using free cells (FC) and immobilized cells (IC) in polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) cryogel beads. Results showed that both FC and IC systems were capable of complete PHE biodegradation at initial concentrations lower than 250ppm after 7days, though IC system showed a higher PHE removal rate. The maximum IM concentrations observed at initial PHE concentrations of 100 and 250ppm were 20 and 49ppm for FC system, whereas 7.4 and 19ppm were obtained for IC system, respectively, and IMs were finally removed after 7days. Similarly, at 500ppm, IC system resulted in higher removal of PHE compared to FC system. However, during the 7-day period for FC system, IMs concentration rose up to 59ppm, while for IC system, IMs concentration reaches a maximum at day 5 and thereafter it follows a negative rate. It was also shown that resorcinol as an indicator of hydroxylated aromatic metabolites at concentrations of 0-100ppm can well be biodegraded by free and immobilized cell systems. No prohibition on PHE biodegradation could hence occur due to IMs formation. Additionally, stability of IC system was examined in repeated-batch cultures, showing the effective removal of PHE up to nine reuse cycles.

Biosensors based on the luminous bacteria Photobaterium phosphoreum immobilized in polyvinyl alcohol cryogel for the monitoring of ecotoxicants

Immobilization of Photobacterium phosphoreum bacteria in polyvinyl alcohol cryogel was performed in order to develop biosensors used for ecotoxicant biomonitoring. The immobilization procedure, storage, and application of the immobilized cells for biomonitoring were optimized. It was shown that the immobilized cells demonstrate significantly higher stability and a longer duration of light emission than free bacteria. A discrete analysis of heavy metals and chlorophenols was conducted using the obtained biosensor samples.

Producing homogeneous cryogel phantoms for medical imaging: a finite-element approach

Tissue-mimicking phantoms with well-defined properties can help in identifying the potential weaknesses in medical imaging systems. Among the imaging systems, magnetic resonance elastography is a new noninvasive technique used to quantify the shear modulus of biological tissues, and therefore has shown promise in studying liver and brain pathologies. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) cryogel prepared by the freeze-thaw technique is a potential candidate for mimicking the mechanical properties of soft tissues and has been extensively used as a phantom material. However, large PVA cryogels suffer from variations in properties, partly due to the low thermal conductivity of PVA solution. The loss of homogeneity in cryogel phantoms is also attributed to inhomogeneous thawing rates during the freeze-thaw cycle. We have used a modified freeze-thaw process that imposes multiple isotherms so as to enhance the homogeneity of the produced cryogels. In addition, we have developed a finite-element modeling tool (a virtual controller) to optimize the temperature profile during the freeze-thaw cycle. Our experimental validations demonstrated the potential of the virtual controller in predicting the optimal temperature profile for the freeze-thaw process (phantom diameters: 60 and 100 mm). A robust simulation framework can fill the gap in the scientific literature with regard to phantom design for medical imaging and will help to reduce phantom development time and cost.

Line filtering for surgical tool localization in 3D ultrasound images

We present a method for automatic surgical tool localization in 3D ultrasound images based on line filtering, voxel classification and model fitting. This could possibly provide assistance for biopsy needle or micro-electrode insertion, or a robotic system performing this insertion. The line-filtering method is first used to enhance the contrast of the 3D ultrasound image, then a classifier is chosen to separate the tool voxels, in order to reduce the number of outliers. The last step is Random Sample Consensus (RANSAC) model fitting. Experimental results on several different polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) cryogel data sets demonstrate that the failure rate of the method proposed herein is improved by at least 86% compared to the model-fitting RANSAC algorithm with axis accuracy better than 1mm, at the expense of only a modest increase in computational effort. The results of this experiment show that this system could be useful for clinical applications.

Phenanthrene biodegradation by immobilized microbial consortium in polyvinyl alcohol cryogel beads

Removal of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), a group of widespread toxic compounds, has been one of the environmental issues in wastewater treatment systems for many years. In this study, biodegradation of phenanthrene (PHE), as a model contaminant, by a microbial consortium entrapped in polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) cryogel prepared by freeze-thaw method was investigated. The effect of inoculum size (300–900 mg of cell dry weight per liter) and initial PHE concentration (100–2000 ppm) as well as bead cell density (5 and 10 mg ml−1) on PHE biodegradation by freely suspended cell (FC) and immobilized cell (IC) systems in aqueous phase was examined. Results showed that although both IC and FC systems were capable of complete removal of 100 and 250 ppm of initial PHE (as sole carbon and energy sources), incomplete PHE removals were observed at higher initial PHE concentrations up to 2000 ppm after 7 days. IC system resulted in the maximum PHE removal of 400 ppm at initial PHE concentration of 750 ppm and inoculum size of 600 mg l−1, while under these conditions FC system removed 310 ppm of PHE. Moreover, bead cell density was shown to affect the performance of IC system, with the lower density of 5 mg ml−1 leading to a higher PHE removal due to the enhanced transport phenomena in the culture. Additionally, a correlation was proposed to predict PHE biodegradation at a range of initial PHE concentrations.

4:10 PM Abstract No. 173 - Development of a novel vascular phantom for navigation testing in interventional MRI

Purpose Interventional MRI offers the unique capability to steer catheters by creating a magnetic field near the catheter tip. Efficacy of MR guided navigation must be tested in vitro in vascular phantoms that mimic the in vivo environment. Previous vascular phantoms have shortcomings including lack of MRI compatibility, artifact creation, non-physiologic stiffness, and high frictional resistance that limits navigation capabilities. We sought to develop a vascular phantom from poly(vinyl) alcohol cryogel (PVA-C) that overcomes these limitations and provides a tool to test our magnetically-assisted remote control (MARC) endovascular catheter. Materials and Methods Design considerations for the phantom were as follows: MRI compatible, MR relaxation times similar to body tissues, smooth lumen that mimics vessel feel during navigation, compatible with flow, range of navigational difficulty, and the ability to accommodate 6 French catheters. Phantom Box Construction: To provide physiologically relevant vessel trajectories, multiple symmetric angles (30-90°) and diameters (3/16-7/8 in.) were designed from Delrin rods connected together and placed in an acrylic box. PVA-C was poured into the phantom box and cross-linked with freeze-thaw cycles. The rods were removed leaving pathways mimicking vessel lumens. PVA-C Process: A gel was created using a process previously outlined by Surry, et al. Sevol Grade 165 PVA powder (Sekisui Specialty Chemicals America, Dallas, TX) was used to create 500 ml 10% PVA-C. Four freeze-thaw cycle were performed on the gel. Images were obtained with a 1.5 T scanner using T1 and T2-weighted images, along with quantitative T1 and T2 measurements. Results T1 and T2 relaxation times (mean ± SD) for the PVA-C were 1195 ± 36 ms and 189 ± 5 ms. Radiographic T1 and T2 images of the test phantom will be shown. Conclusion The standard deviations show acceptable ranges for homogeneity, and the T1 and T2 values are in an acceptable range for tissue. These initial steps provide the foundation for a human-scale vascular phantom that can be used for testing navigation in our MARC endovascular catheter.

Immobilized fungal biocatalysts for the production of cellulase complex hydrolyzing renewable plant feedstock

We discuss characteristics of the directional formation of samples of heterogeneous biocatalysts based on immobilized cells of different microscopic fungi that are characterized by high productivity of cellulases with different substrate specificities (endoglucanases, exoglucanases, and beta-glucosidases). Samples of immobilized cells characterized by maximum productivity of the enzymes of cellulase complex are selected based on our study of the catalytic and operating characteristics of the designed biocatalysts. It is found that a biocatalyst based on Aspergillus terreus spores immobilized in polyvinyl alcohol cryogel is the best of the ones available. It is shown for the first time that the developed biocatalyst retains a high level of productivity for the full complex of cellulases when using various substrate inducers of enzyme biosynthesis, such as birch and oak sawdust, and rice and wheat straw. We demonstrate the possibility of efficiently using cellulase complexes obtained as a result of the functioning of immobilized cells in the saccharification of various cellulose-containing agricultural wastes and the conversion of the obtained sugars to organic solvents (ethanol, butanol) considered to be promising alternative fuels. The concentrations of organic solvents in media with immobilized cells are considerably higher than those found for free cells of the same microorganisms.

Fuel briquettes based on finely dispersed coke particles and polyvinyl alcohol cryogels

Fuel briquettes from coke particles structured by polyvinyl alcohol cryogels were prepared. The elastic and strength properties of the briquettes were studied, and their mechanical and thermophysical properties were characterized.

Synthesis and characterization of polyvinyl alcohol/cellulose cryogels and their testing as carriers for a bioactive component

Novel physically cross-linked cryogels containing polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and various amounts of microcrystalline cellulose were obtained by freezing/thawing technique. The main goal of this study was to improve the properties and the performances of the pure PVA cryogels. The morphological aspects of the cryogels were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) was used to reveal the presence of the interactions between the two polymers. Changes in crystallinity of the samples were confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and by FT-IR spectroscopy. The modification of the thermal behavior induced by cellulose was studied by thermogravimetry. Rheological analysis revealed higher values of storage modulus (G′) for the cryogels containing higher amounts of cellulose. The degree and rate of swelling were controlled by the presence of the natural polymer in the network. The potential application as bioactive compound carriers was tested, using vanillin as an active agent.

Development and characterization of rodent cardiac phantoms: comparison with in vivo cardiac imaging

The increasing availability of rodent models of human cardiovascular disease has led to a need to translate noninvasive imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) from the clinic to the animal laboratory. The aim of this study was to develop phantoms simulating the short-axis view of left ventricular motion of rats and mice, thus reducing the need for live animals in the development of MRI.Cylindrical phantoms were moulded from polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) Cryogel and attached via stiff water-filled tubing to a gear pump. Pulsatile distension of the phantoms was effected by suitable programming of the pump. Cine MRI scanning was carried out at 7 T and compared with in vivo rodent cardiac imaging.Suitable pulsatile performance was achieved with phantoms for which the PVA material had been subjected to two freeze–thaw cycles, resulting in T1 and T2 relaxation time constants of 1656±124 ms and 55±10 ms, respectively. For the rat phantom operating at 240 beats per min (bpm), the dynamic range of the outer diameter was from 10.3 to 12.4 mm with the wall thickness varying between 1.9 and 1.2 mm. Corresponding figures for the mouse phantom at 480 bpm were outer diameter range from 5.4 to 6.4 mm and wall thickness from 1.5 to 1.2 mm.Dynamic cardiac phantoms simulating rodent left ventricular motion in the short-axis view were successfully developed and compared with in vivo imaging. The phantoms can be used for future development work with reduced need of live animals.