Real-time monitoring of tumor microenvironment parameters using an implanted biosensor could provide valuable information on the dynamic nature of a
tumor's biology and its response to treatment. However, following implantation biosensors may lose functionality due to biofouling caused by the
foreign body response (FBR). This study developed a novel
tumor xenograft model to evaluate the potential of six
biomaterials (
silicon dioxide,
silicon nitride,
Parylene-C,
Nafion, biocompatible EPOTEK
epoxy resin, and
platinum) to trigger a FBR when implanted into a solid
tumor.
Biomaterials were chosen based on their use in the construction of a novel biosensor, designed to measure spatial and temporal changes in intra-tumoral O2 , and pH. None of the
biomaterials had any detrimental effect on
tumor growth or
body weight of the murine host. Immunohistochemistry showed no significant changes in
tumor necrosis, hypoxic cell number, proliferation, apoptosis, immune cell infiltration, or
collagen deposition. The absence of biofouling supports the use of these materials in biosensors; future investigations in preclinical
cancer models are required, with a view to eventual applications in humans. To our knowledge this is the first documented investigation of the effects of modern
biomaterials, used in the production of implantable sensors, on
tumor tissue after implantation. © 2018 The Authors. Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part B: Applied
Biomaterials published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 107B: 1620-1633, 2019.