Our researchers develop 3D printed implants that can inhibit HPV infection

China3D printingNet May 28th, researchers from Beijing’s Tsinghua University have already3D printingA personalized cervical tissue implant to resist human papillomavirus (HPV).By loading the anti-HPV protein in the porous structure of the tapered polyurethane implant, the team was able to quantitatively control the release of the protein and inhibit the uteruspalaceHPV growth near the neck.

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3D printingWombpalaceNeck implants. The picture comes from Tsinghua University.

HPV and cervical cancer

HPV is responsible for 91% of cervical cancer cases worldwide. There are a total of 460,000 new cases each year, and the main treatment is cervical conization, which removes a conical tissue sample for diagnosis. If precancerous cells are present, the procedure can also remove precancerous cells, and most tissues will re-grow within six weeks. However, this treatment is not a miracle because it can cause tissue defects and tend to have a higher rate of recurrence of infection.

3D printingCervical implants

The goal of the researchers is to develop a non-destructive anti-HPV implant that can also promote the growth of cone-shaped tissue. The first step involves designing a conical structure based on medical imaging data-the bottom diameter of the final implant is 30mm.The selected material is FDA-approved implantable biomaterial polyurethane, which is used3D printingThe technique is low temperature deposition (LDM). Unlike conventional FDM, LDM occurs in a sub-zero environment, usually -20°C to -30°C, so phase separation occurs inside the printing structure.Combined with freeze-drying technology, it can be3D printingA porous structure is obtained in the part.




The porous structure of the implant. The picture comes from Tsinghua University.

The porosity here is important because it allows researchers to load the implant with the anti-HPV “JB protein”. In order to modify and test different porosities, researchers only need to modify the temperature curve during the manufacturing process to achieve various line spacings. The research team found that there is a linear negative correlation between porosity and protein content, but the rate of protein release increases with increasing porosity. It was found that the protein can effectively inhibit HPV from entering host cells and reduce its activity as an implantation site.

Cytotoxicity and cytocompatibility tests also pointed out the conclusion that the implant can promote cell growth and adhesion, and repair the healing tissue after the cone. Most importantly, the mechanical properties returned by the mechanical test are comparable to the original cervical tissue-the compression modulus is 0.06-0.25 MPa.This result strongly suggests3D printingIt can be used to repair cervical tissue after conization and inhibit recurring HPV infection.

Images from biocompatibility testing. The picture comes from Tsinghua University.

China3D printingOnline reviews:3D printingOf medical implants have frequently appeared in AM studies in recent months. In April, researchers from Mohawk College and McMaster University in Ontario became the first to study the titanium alloy Ti-55533D printingThe suitability of bone implants for people. The cells at the implant site show extension and growth, which indicates that this new alloy has strong potential as a bone implant. Elsewhere at MIT,3D printingIt is used to develop soft and flexible brain electrodes using conductive polymer liquid materials.

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