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Retrievable micro-inserts containing oxygen sensors for monitoring tissue oxygenation using EPR oximetry

M Dinguizli1, N Beghein and B Gallez

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Tissue oxygenation is a crucial parameter in various physiopathological situations and can influence the therapeutic response of tumours. EPR oximetry is a reliable method for assessing and monitoring oxygen levels in vivo over long periods of time. Among the different paramagnetic oxygen sensors available for EPR oximetry, lithium phthalocyanine (LiPc) is a serious candidate for in vivo applications because of its narrow linewidth and its high signal-to-noise ratio. To enhance the biocompatibility of the sensors, fluoropolymer Teflon AF2400 was used to make cylindrical micro-inserts containing LiPc crystals. This new micro-pellet design has several advantages for in vivo studies, including the possibility of being able to choose the implant size, a high sensor content, the facility of in vivo insertion and complete protection with preservation of the oxygen sensor's characteristics. The response to oxygen and the kinetics of this response were tested using in vivo EPR: no differences were observed between micro-inserts and uncoated LiPc crystals. Pellets implanted in vivo in muscles conserved their responsiveness over a long period of time (~two months), which is much longer than the few days of stability observed using LiPc crystals without protection by the implant. Finally, evaluation of the biocompatibility of the implants revealed no inflammatory reaction around the implantation area.


PACS

87.64.K- Spectroscopy

87.19.Ff Muscles

87.19.X- Diseases

07.07.Df Sensors (chemical, optical, electrical, movement, gas, etc.); remote sensing

81.05.Lg Polymers and plastics; rubber; synthetic and natural fibers; organometallic and organic materials

Subjects

Soft matter, liquids and polymers

Instrumentation and measurement

Medical physics

Biological physics

Condensed matter: structural, mechanical & thermal

Dates

Issue 11 (November 2008)

Received 2 April 2008, accepted for publication 9 September 2008

Published 9 October 2008



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