Implantable hydrogel technology
The advantages of an implantable hydrogel are threefold:
- easy and intuitive to use
- stays in place at the target site
- controlled and sustained local drug delivery
Precise drug delivery
The hydrogel works with all types of small-molecule drugs. The release profile can be tailored to specific clinical needs and surgical procedures.
Biodegradability
The hydrogel is composed of biopolymers and is highly biocompatible and safe. Following release of the active pharmaceutical ingredient, the hydrogel dissolves completely.
Resilience
The combination of strength and elasticity is a technological breakthrough and enables the hydrogel to be co-implanted with surgical implants, including pedicle screws, under challenging circumstances such as minimal invasive surgery.
Platform Potential
Initially tailored towards spine surgery, the platform is designed to be applied in other surgical indications, including joint replacements and fracture fixation.
Publications
- Steverink JG, van Tol FR, Bruins S, Smorenburg AJ, Tryfonidou MA, Oosterman BJ, van Dijk MR, Malda J, Verlaan JJ. Lack of concentration-dependent local toxicity of highly concentrated (5%) versus conventional 0.5% bupivacaine following musculoskeletal surgery in a rat model. J Exp Orthop. 2023
- Steverink JG, van Tol FR, Oosterman BJ, Vermonden T, Verlaan JJ, Malda J, Piluso S. Robust gelatin hydrogels for local sustained release of bupivacaine following spinal surgery. Acta biomater., 2022.
- Steverink JG, Piluso S, Malda J, Verlaan JJ. Comparison of in vitro and in vivo Toxicity of Bupivacaine in Musculoskeletal Applications. Front. Pain Res., 2022.
- Steverink JG, Oostinga D, van Tol FR, van Rijen MHP, Mackaaij C, Verlinde-Schellekens SAMW, Oosterman BJ, Van Wijck AJM, Roeling TAP, Verlaan JJ. Sensory Innervation of Human Bone: An Immunohistochemical Study to Further Understand Bone Pain. J Pain., 2021.
- Oostinga D, Steverink JG, van Wijck AJM, Verlaan JJ. An understanding of bone pain: A narrative review. Bone., 2020.