Biology subjects

Clinch, M.

Publications and source records attributed to Clinch, M..

2 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2026

Multi-point convective delivery overcomes mass transport barriers for myocardial therapeutics

Angiogenesis-promoting macromolecules reduce adverse remodeling and preserve cardiac function in rodents following myocardial infarctions, yet repeatedly fail to translate across length scales in humans. Through mass transport studies in human and swine myocardium, we found that dense, anisotropic myocardial fibers limit therapeutic diffusion and convection to millimeter scales for existing approaches including bolus intramyocardial injections, shear-thinning hydrogels, and epicardial patches. Furthermore, distributions are confined to one dimension along fibers. To increase myocardial drug distribution to centimeter length scales in vivo in swine, we engineered a three-dimensional multi-injection drug delivery array. Our device performs up to 40 simultaneous 120 {micro}L injections of functional macromolecules, hydrogels, or mRNA lipid nanoparticles. Injections are precisely placed in relation to fiber alignment, achieving near-complete coverage of the left ventricular myocardium.

bioengineering↗

bioRxiv2026

Self-severing circuits facilitate passage of ingestible electronic sensor-guided therapeutics

Ingestible electronics enable the tracking and treatment of gastrointestinal and systemic diseases. However, bulky batteries and circuit boards require large capsules that can result in bowel obstruction, a medical emergency. Here, we engineered a 9 x 26 mm electronic pill capable of triggered severing into tiny pieces with sizes clinically proven to reduce obstruction risk. Our capsule enables multicomponent circuit boards to connect with separately encapsulated powering elements via conductive, interlocking connections. Heat induced softening of polyethylene glycol/polycaprolactone channels activates a spring to separate encapsulated components into inert 9 x 15 mm segments, facilitating intestinal passage. Separation triggers included closed-loop sensors and time-delay circuits. In vivo swine studies demonstrate the ability of our capsules to sense luminal oxygen changes via an optoelectronic sensor, locally trigger upadacitinib delivery, and facilitate safe excretion.

bioengineering↗