Development and evaluation of biocompatible films of polytetrafluoroethylene polymers holding lithium phthalocyanine crystals for their use in EPR oximetry

Biosens Bioelectron. 2006 Jan 15;21(7):1015-22. doi: 10.1016/j.bios.2005.03.009. Epub 2005 Apr 15.

Abstract

Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) oximetry is a powerful technology that allows the monitoring of oxygenation in tissues. The measurement of tissue oxygenation can be achieved using lithium phthalocyanine (LiPc) crystals as oxygen reporters. In order to have biocompatibility for the sensing system and to assure long-term stability in the responsiveness of the system, we developed films of Teflon AF 2400 with embedded LiPc crystals. These systems can be used as retrievable inserts or parts of an implantable resonator or catheter. Atomic force microscopy studies revealed that the surface of the films was regular and planar. The response to oxygen of the sensor (EPR linewidth as a function of pO(2)) remained unchanged after implantation in mice, and was not affected by sterilization or irradiation. The use of resonators, holding LiPc embedded in Teflon AF 2400, implanted in the gastrocnemius muscle of rabbits allowed the monitoring of oxygen during several weeks. Several assays also demonstrated the biocompatibility of the system: (1) no hemolytic effect was noted; (2) no toxicity was found using the systemic injection test of extracts; (3) histological analysis in rabbit muscle in which the films were implanted for 1 week or 3 months was similar to standard polyethylene biocompatible devices. These advanced oxygen sensors are promising tools for future pre-clinical and clinical developments of EPR oximetry. These developments can be applied for other applications of biosensors where there is a need for oxygen permeable membranes.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Absorption
  • Animals
  • Biocompatible Materials / analysis
  • Biocompatible Materials / chemistry
  • Biosensing Techniques / instrumentation*
  • Biosensing Techniques / methods
  • Crystallization / methods
  • Electron Spin Resonance Spectroscopy / methods*
  • Equipment Design
  • Equipment Failure Analysis
  • Indoles / analysis
  • Indoles / chemistry*
  • Membranes, Artificial
  • Mice
  • Muscle, Skeletal / blood supply*
  • Muscle, Skeletal / metabolism*
  • Organometallic Compounds / analysis
  • Organometallic Compounds / chemistry*
  • Oxygen / blood*
  • Polytetrafluoroethylene / analysis
  • Polytetrafluoroethylene / chemistry*
  • Prostheses and Implants
  • Rabbits
  • Surface Properties

Substances

  • Biocompatible Materials
  • Indoles
  • Membranes, Artificial
  • Organometallic Compounds
  • lithium phthalocyanine
  • Polytetrafluoroethylene
  • Oxygen