MR-visible and radiopaque microcapsules for use as embolic agents and for immunoisolation of cellular therapeutics
Immunoisolation of cells through microencapsulation is a means to prevent their immune destruction following transplantation. To date, microencapsulation has shown great clinical potential for a wide range of diseases requiring enzyme or hormone replacement therapy, particularly diabetes. This invention describes methods of synthesizing radiopaque and MR-visible alginate-based microcapsule formulations for immunoisolation of cellular therapeutics, as well as methods of delivery and detection. These microcapsules are detectable with standard clinical imaging modalities, including X-rays (fluoroscopy, CT, digital subtraction angiography) and MR imaging. Clinical grade and FDA-approved contrast agents can be readily incorporated into microcapsules and detected, including brominated fluorocarbon, superparamagnetic iron oxides, barium sulfate, bismuth sulfate, 2,3,5 triiodobenzoic acid, iodine, and gadolinium dimeglumine. Description (Set) Proposed Use (Set) Several fundamental issues remain to be addressed before considering widespread clinical applications of microencapsulation. The ability to non-invasively monitor the presence of microcapsules with MRI or X-rays allows questions such as the ideal transplantation site, best means of delivery, verification of accurate delivery, and long-term survival of such grafts within intact capsules to be better addressed. The ability to non-invasively monitor encapsulated cell therapies will greatly improve the methods of treatment and facilitate the FDA approval process. This methodology has further applicability for monitoring the localized delivery and long term release of encapsulated embolic agents.Inventor(s): Bulte, Jeff W. M
Type of Offer: Licensing
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