Biocompatibility of common polyimides with human endothelial cells for a cardiovascular microsensor

Abstract

The cardiovasculature is an emerging niche for polyimide microdevices, yet the biocompatibility of polyimides with human endothelial cells has not been reported in the literature. In this study, we have evaluated an experimental polyimide-based pressure sensor for biological safety to determine its suitability for intravascular operation by using an in vitro model of human endothelium, following ISO 10993-5 protocols for extract tests and direct contact tests. First, SV-HCEC cells were incubated with extracts derived from common microfabrication polyimides utilized in the transducer (PMDA-ODA, BPDA-PPD, and a proprietary thermoplastic adhesive), and then labeled with selective probes to evaluate the effect of the polyimides on mitochondria and cell viability. Flow cytometry analysis showed that incubation of SV-HCECs with polyimide extracts resulted in no significant change in mitochondrial membrane potential (detected by JC-1) or apoptotic (annexin V) and necrotic (propidium iodide) cell death, when compared to incubation with extracts of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and untreated cells used as negative controls. Second, primary human endothelial cells were incubated in direct contact with the completed sensor and then labeled with selective probes for live-dead analysis (calcein-AM, ethidium homodimer-1). Endothelial cells showed no loss of viability when compared to negative controls. Combined, the studies show no significant change in early markers of stress or more strict markers of viability in endothelial cells treated with the polyimides tested. We conclude that these common microfabrication polyimides and the derived sensor are not cytotoxic to human endothelial cells, the primary cell type that cardiovascular sensors will contact in vivo.

Ureteral anastomosis with a polyimide stent in rat kidney transplantation

“…Accordingly, in our previous report, a cuff made from polyimide had been successfully used in vascular anastomosis without the appearance of a thrombus in the reconstructed vessel [15]. Further, Starr [16] reported that polyimides including chemical sensors and blood pressure sensors are not cytotoxic to human capillary and microvascular endothelial cells. However, an in vivo study showed that polyimide-based neural implants produce a slight foreign body response, but have no effect on neural function [17].…”

Effective delivery of porphyrazine photosensitizers to cancer cells by polymer brush nanocontainers

“…The main applications of PI are related to the creation of biocompatible polymeric probes, in particular for the manufacture of neural and retinal implants, vascular microdevices, etc. . PMAA are widely used in various amphiphilic as well as double hydrophilic block‐copolymers for drug delivery purpose.…”

70‐4: Late‐News Paper: Electronic Contact Lens for Senses beyond Sight

“…2 b). PI is a biocompatible polymer [22], [23] with good chemical resistance and high glass transition temperature [24], which allows for most standard photolithographic cleanroom processes. The position of the metallization between two layers of PI (Fig.…”