EXTENDED RELEASE IMMUNOMODULATORY IMPLANT TO FACILITATE BONE MORPHOGENESIS

Abstract

A method of forming an immunomodulatory implant operatively arranged to chemotactically facilitate bone morphogenesis, the method including forming a matrix of a first material, the matrix including an outer surface, and a plurality of pores, and applying an antigen to the matrix, wherein the antigen including at least one of a bacterial antigen or a viral antigen.

Claims

1. A method of forming an immunomodulatory implant operatively arranged to chemotactically facilitate bone morphogenesis, the method comprising: forming a matrix of a first material, the matrix including: an outer surface; and, a plurality of pores; and, applying an antigen to the matrix, wherein the antigen comprises at least one of a bacterial antigen or a viral antigen.

2. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the step of applying the antigen to the matrix comprises: dipping the matrix into a liquid form of the antigen.

3. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the step of applying the antigen to the matrix comprises: painting a liquid form of the antigen onto the matrix.

4. The method as recited in claim 3, wherein the step of painting the liquid form of the antigen onto the matrix comprises: painting the liquid form of the antigen onto at least a portion of the outer surface.

5. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the step of applying the antigen to the matrix comprises: inserting the antigen into the plurality of pores.

6. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the step of applying the antigen to the matrix comprises: spraying the antigen onto the matrix.

7. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the matrix further comprises a recess in the outer surface.

8. The method as recited in claim 7, wherein the step of applying the antigen to the matrix comprises: arranging a layer of the antigen in the recess.

9. The method as recited in claim 7, further comprising: before the step of applying the antigen to the matrix, arranging a layer of cytokine in the recess.

10. The method as recited in claim 9, wherein the step of applying the antigen to the matrix comprises: arranging a layer of the antigen on top of the layer of cytokine.

11. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein: the step of forming the matrix comprises forming the matrix via three-dimensional printing; and, the step of applying the antigen to the matrix comprises printing the antigen in the plurality of pores.

12. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the matrix further comprises an inner portion arranged therein and spaced apart from the outer surface, the inner portion comprising a second material, different than the first material.

13. The method as recited in claim 12, wherein the second material comprises a cytokine.

14. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the first material comprises at least one of inert beta-tricalcium phosphate, calcium carbonate, silicon, polylactic-co-glycolic acid, and hydroxyapatite.

15. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the antigen comprises at least one of lipopolysaccharide, lipoteichoic acid, and interferon gamma.

16. A method of forming an immunomodulatory implant operatively arranged to chemotactically facilitate bone morphogenesis, the method comprising: three dimensionally printing a matrix comprising a first material, the matrix including: an outermost surface; and, a plurality of pores; and, applying an antigen to the matrix.

17. The method as recited in claim 16, wherein the step of applying the antigen to the matrix comprises: dipping the matrix into a liquid form of the antigen.

18. The method as recited in claim 16, wherein the step of applying the antigen to the matrix comprises: painting a liquid form of the antigen onto the matrix.

19. The method as recited in claim 16, wherein the step of applying the antigen to the matrix comprises: three dimensionally printing the antigen into the plurality of pores.

20. The method as recited in claim 16, wherein the step of applying the antigen to the matrix comprises: arranging a layer of the antigen in a recess formed in the outermost surface.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0048] Various embodiments are disclosed, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings in which corresponding reference symbols indicate corresponding parts, in which:

[0049] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an implant;

[0050] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the implant taken generally along line 2-2 in FIG. 1;

[0051] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an implant;

[0052] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the implant taken generally along line 4-4 in FIG. 3;

[0053] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an implant;

[0054] FIG. 6 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of the implant taken generally along line 6-6 in FIG. 5; and,

[0055] FIG. 7 is a simplified cross-sectional view of the implant taken generally along line 7-7 in FIG. 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0056] At the outset, it should be appreciated that like drawing numbers on different drawing views identify identical, or functionally similar, structural elements. It is to be understood that the claims are not limited to the disclosed aspects.

[0057] Furthermore, it is understood that this disclosure is not limited to the particular methodology, materials and modifications described and as such may, of course, vary. It is also understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the claims.

[0058] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. It should be understood that any methods, devices, or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the example embodiments.

[0059] It should be appreciated that the term “substantially” is synonymous with terms such as “nearly,” “very nearly,” “about,” “approximately,” “around,” “bordering on,” “close to,” “essentially,” “in the neighborhood of,” “in the vicinity of,” etc., and such terms may be used interchangeably as appearing in the specification and claims. It should be appreciated that the term “proximate” is synonymous with terms such as “nearby,” “close,” “adjacent,” “neighboring,” “immediate,” “adjoining,” etc., and such terms may be used interchangeably as appearing in the specification and claims. The term “approximately” is intended to mean values within ten percent of the specified value.

[0060] Referring now to the figures, FIG. 1 is a perspective view of implant 10. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of implant 10 taken generally along line 2-2 in FIG. 1. Implant 10 generally comprises implant matrix 12 which includes outer portion(s) or layer(s) 20 and inner portion(s) 30. Implant matrix 12 comprises inert beta-tricalcium phosphate, calcium carbonate (CaCO3), silicon, polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA), and/or hydroxyapatite. In some embodiments, implant matrix 12 consists of inert beta-tricalcium phosphate, CaCO3, silicon, and PLGA. In some embodiments, implant matrix 12 consists of inert beta-tricalcium phosphate, CaCO3, silicon, and PLGA with silicon at 1% by weight. In some embodiments, implant matrix 12 comprises allograft bone, autograft bone, xenograft bone, a titanium implant, a polyether ether ketone (PEEK) implant, and/or synthetic bone void filler coated and/or impregnated with the antigen or antigen mixture (LPS, LTA, and/or other suitable antigen) and/or interleukins 4, 10, and/or 13. By impregnated, it is meant that the implant (e.g., the inner or outer portions) is filled, imbued, permeated, or saturated with the antigen or antigen mixture and/or interleukins. It should be appreciated that implant 10, including inner portion 30 and outer layer 20, may comprise any suitable geometry, for example, cuboid, cube, sphere, cylinder, cone, tetrahedron, triangular prism, etc., and that the present disclosure should not be limited to the geometric shape(s) shown in the figures. The following description should be read in view of FIGS. 1-2.

[0061] Outer portion or layer 20 comprises LPS, LTA, and/or other suitable antigen, and as discussed above, is operatively arranged to attract monocytes and macrophages to the site via chemotaxis and initiate the M1 phase of macrophages. Specifically, outer portion 20 attracts monocytes and macrophages to the site, and once there, converts M0 macrophages into M1 macrophages, which phagocytose outer portion 20. As such, outer portion 20 is phagocytosable, or capable of being phagocytosed. Put another way, outer portion 20 is operatively arranged to be completely removable from inner portion 30 via phagocytosis. In some embodiments, outer portion 20 is operatively arranged to be partially removable from inner portion 30. In such embodiments, M1 macrophages phagocytize the antigen on or in implant matrix 12 and access inner portion(s) 30 through holes and/or porosities in outer portion 20, thus leaving behind the porous implant matrix 12 (e.g., inert beta-tricalcium phosphate, CaCO3, silicon, PLGA, hydroxyapatite, allograft bone, autograft bone, xenograft bone, a titanium implant, a PEEK implant, and/or synthetic bone void filler). In some embodiments, outer portion 20 consists of a mixture of LPS and LTA. In some embodiments, outer portion 20 consists of a mixture of 50% by weight LPS and 50% by weight LTA. In some embodiments, outer portion 20 consists of a mixture of 50% by weight LPS and 50% by weight LTA, mixed together at a concentration of 5 micrograms per liter each. In some embodiments, outer portion 20 consists of a mixture of 50% by weight LPS and 50% by weight LTA, mixed together at a concentration of 5 micrograms per liter each, wherein the LPS is derived from E. coli (e.g., E. coli Strain 055:B5) and the LTA is derived from S. aureus. In some embodiments, outer portion 20 comprises an antigen or antigen mixture of 40 ng/ml. It is also recognized that 100% LPS or 100% LTA or similar antigen can be used. Indeed, any combination of stimulants known to specifically activate the innate immune system can be employed.

[0062] Outer portion 20 may comprise an antigen or antigen mixture (LPS, LTA, and/or other suitable antigen) completely, or inert beta-tricalcium phosphate, CaCO3, silicon, PLGA, and/or hydroxyapatite with the antigen or antigen mixture applied thereon or embedded or injected therein. In some embodiments, the antigen or antigen mixture (LPS, LTA, and/or other suitable antigen) is added to implant 10 to create outer portion 20 by dipping implant 10 therein and air drying. In some embodiments, the antigen or antigen mixture (LPS, LTA, and/or other suitable antigen) is added to implant 10 to create outer portion 20 by placing implant 10 (e.g., in the wound or incision) and squirting the antigen or antigen mixture thereon.

[0063] Inner portion 30 may comprise an infusion of interleukins, and as discussed above, is operatively arranged to initiate the M2 phase of macrophages. In some embodiments, inner portion 30 comprises an infusion of capsaicin and/or interleukins. Once the M1 macrophages completely and/or partially phagocytoses outer portion 20 (i.e., all of the LPS, LTA, and/or other suitable antigen is eaten away), the M1 macrophages encounter inner portion 30, which comprises interleukins 4, 10, and/or 13, and are converted to M2 macrophages. The M2 macrophages begin the reparative process and hence bony repair or fusion. M1 macrophages are converted to M2 macrophages through contact with inner portion 30 (i.e., the interleukins). Additionally, once the M1 macrophages completely and/or partially phagocytize outer portion 20 (i.e., the antigen or antigen mixture), interleukins are released by the M1 macrophages to initiate the M2 phase of macrophages, based in part on the dwindling amounts of antigen left to phagocytose. Thus, implant 10 can convert M1 macrophages to M2 macrophages in two ways: 1) after M1 macrophages completely phagocytize outer portion 20; and, 2) when M1 macrophages come into contact with inner portion 30. In some embodiments, inner portion 30 comprises interleukin 4, 10, and/or 13.

[0064] In some embodiments, implant matrix 12 comprises beta-tricalcium phosphate, for example, 3D printed such that inner portion 30 comprises small pore sizes and outer portion 20 comprises larger pore sizes. The larger pores and reduced density of outer portion 20 allows it to be infused with the antigen or antigen mixtures (LPS, LTA, and/or other suitable antigen) to chemotactically attract M0 and M1 macrophages and monocytes. The porosity and reduced density of outer portion 20 also speeds the process of phagocytosis, wherein the M1 macrophages phagocytose outer portion 20 until it is gone and only inner portion 30 remains. In some embodiments, and as previously discussed, outer portion 20 is operatively arranged to be partially removable/dissolvable, wherein the M1 macrophages phagocytose the antigen on or in implant matrix 12 and subsequently access inner portion 30 through holes or pores in outer portion 20. The smaller pores and increased density of inner portion 30, which contains the interleukins, slows its dissolution so as to remain until suitable bone growth or fusion has occurred or is occurring. In some embodiments, inner portion(s) 30 comprises a porosity having an average pore size of 50-200 microns, and the outer portion(s) 20 comprises a porosity having an average pore size of 200-500 microns. In some embodiments, the pores of inner portion(s) 30 and outer portion(s) 20 are interconnected by channels throughout implant 10.

[0065] Implant 10 generally acts as a dissolving implant or a time release bone fusion capsule or implant. The M0 macrophages are attracted to implant 10 and converted to M1 macrophages upon arrival. The M1 macrophages “dissolve” or phagocytize outer portion 20 comprising the antigen or antigen mixture (LPS, LTA, and/or other suitable antigen) and, once this is done, the M1 macrophages encounter the denser inner portion 30 containing interleukins. Inner portion 30 containing interleukins modulates the transition of M1 or inflammatory macrophages to M2 or anti-inflammatory macrophages thereby facilitating the reparative process (i.e., bone growth or fusion). Implant 10 is eventually incorporated and transformed into normal regenerative bone by actively orchestrating the key cellular actors involved in bone healing.

[0066] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of implant 110. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of implant 110 taken generally along line 4-4 in FIG. 3. Implant 110 generally comprises implant matrix 112 which includes outer layer(s) 120, inner layer(s) 122, and inner portion(s) 130. Implant matrix 112 comprises inert beta-tricalcium phosphate, CaCO3, silicon, PLGA, and/or hydroxyapatite. In some embodiments, implant matrix 112 consists of inert beta-tricalcium phosphate, CaCO3, silicon, and PLGA. In some embodiments, implant matrix 112 consists of inert beta-tricalcium phosphate, CaCO3, silicon, and PLGA with silicon at 1% by weight. In some embodiments, implant matrix 112 comprises inert beta-tricalcium phosphate or hydroxyapatite alone. In some embodiments, implant matrix 112 comprises allograft bone, autograft bone, xenograft bone, a titanium implant, a polyether ether ketone (PEEK) implant, and/or synthetic bone void filler coated and/or impregnated with the antigen or antigen mixture (LPS, LTA, and/or other suitable antigen) and/or interleukins 4, 10, and/or 13. By impregnated, it is meant that the implant (e.g., the inner or outer portions) is filled, imbued, permeated, or saturated with the antigen or antigen mixture and/or interleukins. It should be appreciated that implant 110, including inner portion 130 and layers 120 and 122, may comprise any suitable geometry, for example, cuboid, cube, sphere, cylinder, cone, tetrahedron, triangular prism, etc., and that the present disclosure should not be limited to the geometric shape(s) shown in the figures. The following description should be read in view of FIGS. 3-4.

[0067] Outer layer 120 comprises LPS, LTA, and/or other suitable antigen, and as discussed above, is operatively arranged to attract monocytes and macrophages to the site via chemotaxis and initiate the M1 phase of macrophages. Specifically, outer layer 120 attracts monocytes and macrophages to the site, and once there, converts M0 macrophages into M1 macrophages, which phagocytose outer layer 120. As such, outer layer 120 is phagocytosable, or capable of being phagocytosed. Put another way, outer layer 120 is operatively arranged to be completely removable from inner layer 122 and inner portion 130 via phagocytosis. In some embodiments, outer layer 120 and/or inner layer 122 are operatively arranged to be partially removable from inner portion 130. In such embodiments, M1 macrophages phagocytize the antigen on or in bone matrix 112 and access inner portion 130 through holes and/or porosity in outer layer 120 and/or inner layer 122, thus leaving behind the porous bone matrix 112 (e.g., inert beta-tricalcium phosphate, CaCO3, silicon, PLGA, hydroxyapatite, allograft bone, autograft bone, xenograft bone, a titanium implant, a PEEK implant, and/or synthetic bone void filler). In some embodiments, outer layer 120 consists of a mixture of LPS and LTA. In some embodiments, outer layer 120 consists of a mixture of 50% by weight LPS and 50% by weight LTA. In some embodiments, outer layer 120 consists of a mixture of 50% by weight LPS and 50% by weight LTA, mixed together at a concentration of 5 micrograms per liter each. In some embodiments, outer layer 120 consists of a mixture of 50% by weight LPS and 50% by weight LTA, mixed together at a concentration of 5 micrograms per liter each, wherein the LPS is derived from E. coli (e.g., E. coli Strain 055:B5) and the LTA is derived from S. aureus. In some embodiments, outer layer 120 comprises an antigen or antigen mixture of 40 ng/ml. It is recognized that 100% LPS or 100% LTA or 100% of any antigen or any combination thereof can be chosen to optimally activate the innate immune system.

[0068] Outer layer 120 may comprise an antigen or antigen mixture (LPS, LTA, and/or other suitable antigen) completely, or inert beta-tricalcium phosphate, CaCO3, silicon, PLGA, and/or hydroxyapatite with the antigen or antigen mixture applied thereon or embedded or injected therein. In some embodiments, the antigen or antigen mixture (LPS, LTA, and/or other suitable antigen) is added to implant 110 to create outer layer 120 by dipping implant 110 therein and air drying. In some embodiments, the antigen or antigen mixture (LPS, LTA, and/or other suitable antigen) is added to implant 110 to create outer layer 120 by placing implant 110 (e.g., in the wound or incision) and squirting the antigen or antigen mixture thereon. The antigen or antigen mixture could also be added at any point as part of the 3D printing process in the manufacturing of the implant.

[0069] Inner layer 122 comprises LPS, LTA, and/or other suitable antigen, and as discussed above, is operatively arranged to attract monocytes and macrophages to the site via chemotaxis and initiate the M1 phase of macrophages. Specifically, inner layer 122 attracts monocytes and macrophages to the site, and once there, converts M0 macrophages into M1 macrophages, which phagocytose outer layer 120 and subsequently inner layer 122. As such, outer layer 120 and inner layer 122 are phagocytosable, or capable of being phagocytosed. Put another way, outer layer 120 and inner layer 122 are operatively arranged to be completely removable from inner portion 130 via phagocytosis. In some embodiments, outer layer 120 and/or inner layer 122 are operatively arranged to be partially removable from inner portion 130. In such embodiments, M1 macrophages phagocytize the antigen on or in bone matrix 112 and access inner portion 130 through holes and/or porosity in outer layer 120 and/or inner layer 122, thus leaving behind the porous bone matrix 112 (e.g., inert beta-tricalcium phosphate, CaCO3, silicon, PLGA, hydroxyapatite, allograft bone, autograft bone, xenograft bone, a titanium implant, a PEEK implant, and/or synthetic bone void filler). In some embodiments, inner layer 122 consists of a mixture of LPS and LTA. In some embodiments, inner layer 122 consists of a mixture of 50% by weight LPS and 50% by weight LTA. In some embodiments, inner layer 122 consists of a mixture of 50% by weight LPS and 50% by weight LTA, mixed together at a concentration of 5 micrograms per liter each. In some embodiments, inner layer 122 consists of a mixture of 50% by weight LPS and 50% by weight LTA, mixed together at a concentration of 5 micrograms per liter each, wherein the LPS is derived from E. coli (e.g., E. coli Strain 055:B5) and the LTA is derived from S. aureus. It is recognized that 100% LPS or 100% LTA or 100% of any antigen or any combination thereof can be chosen to optimally activate the innate immune system.

[0070] Inner layer 122 may comprise an antigen or antigen mixture (LPS, LTA, and/or other suitable antigen) completely, or inert beta-tricalcium phosphate, CaCO3, silicon, PLGA, and/or hydroxyapatite with the antigen or antigen mixture applied thereon or embedded or injected therein. In some embodiments, the antigen or antigen mixture (LPS, LTA, and/or other suitable antigen) is added to implant 110 to create inner layer 122 by dipping implant 110 therein and air drying. In some embodiments, the antigen or antigen mixture (LPS, LTA, and/or other suitable antigen) is added to implant 110 to create inner layer 122 by placing implant 110 (e.g., in the wound or incision) and squirting the antigen or antigen mixture thereon. The antigen or antigen mixture could also be added at any point as part of the 3D printing process in the manufacturing of the implant.

[0071] In some embodiments, inner layer 122 may comprise an infusion of interleukins, as discussed above, and is operatively arranged to initiate the M2 phase of macrophages. In some embodiments, inner layer 122 comprises an infusion of capsaicin and/or interleukins. Once the M1 macrophages completely and/or partially phagocytose outer layer 120 (i.e., all of the LPS, LTA, and/or other suitable antigen is eaten away), the M1 macrophages encounter inner layer 122, which comprises interleukins 4, 10, and/or 13, and are converted to M2 macrophages. The M2 macrophages begin the reparative process and hence bony repair or fusion. M1 macrophages are converted to M2 macrophages through contact with inner layer 122 (i.e., the interleukins). Additionally, once the M1 macrophages completely and/or partially phagocytize outer layer 120 (i.e., the antigen or antigen mixture), interleukins are released by the M1 macrophages to initiate the M2 phase of macrophages. Thus, implant 110 can convert M1 macrophages to M2 macrophages in two ways: 1) after M1 macrophages completely and/or partially phagocytize outer layer 120; and, 2) when M1 macrophages come into contact with inner layer 122. In some embodiments, inner layer 122 comprises interleukin 4 at 10 ng/ml.

[0072] Inner portion 130 may comprise an infusion of interleukins, and as discussed above, is operatively arranged to initiate the M2 phase of macrophages. In some embodiments, inner portion 130 comprises an infusion of capsaicin and/or interleukins. Once the M1 macrophages completely and/or partially phagocytose outer layer 120 and/or inner layer 122 (i.e., all of the LPS, LTA, and/or other suitable antigen is eaten away), the M1 macrophages encounter inner portion 130, which comprises interleukins 4, 10, and/or 13, and are converted to M2 macrophages. The M2 macrophages begin the reparative process and hence bony repair or fusion. M1 macrophages are converted to M2 macrophages through contact with inner portion 130 (i.e., the interleukins). Additionally, once the M1 macrophages completely and/or partially phagocytize outer layer 120 and/or inner layer 122 (i.e., the antigen or antigen mixture), interleukins are released by the M1 macrophages to initiate the M2 phase of macrophages. Thus, implant 110 can convert M1 macrophages to M2 macrophages in two ways: 1) after M1 macrophages completely and/or partially phagocytize outer layer 120 and/or inner layer 122; and, 2) when M1 macrophages come into contact with inner portion 130. In some embodiments, inner portion 130 comprises interleukin 10 and 13 at 10 ng/ml.

[0073] In some embodiments, implant matrix 112 comprises beta-tricalcium phosphate, for example, 3D printed such that inner portion 130 comprises small pore sizes and outer layer 120 and inner layer 122 comprise larger pore sizes. The larger pores and reduced density of outer layer 120 and inner layer 122 allows the layers to be infused with the antigen or antigen mixture (LPS, LTA, and/or other suitable antigen) to chemotactically attract M0 and M1 macrophages and monocytes. The porosity and reduced density of outer layer 120 and inner layer 122 also speeds the process of phagocytosis, wherein the M1 macrophages phagocytose outer layer 120 and/or inner layer 122 until they are gone or partially gone, and only inner portion 130 and/or inner layer 122 remain. In some embodiments, and as previously discussed, outer layer 120 and/or inner layer 122 are operatively arranged to be partially removable/dissolvable, wherein the M1 macrophages phagocytose the antigen on or in implant matrix 112 and subsequently access inner portion 130 through holes or pores in outer layer 120 and inner layer 122. The smaller pores and increased density of inner portion 130, which contains the interleukins, slows its dissolution so as to remain until suitable bone growth or fusion has occurred. In some embodiments, inner portion(s) 130 comprises a porosity having an average pore size of 50-200 microns, outer layers 120 comprises a porosity having an average pore size of 200-500 microns, and layer 122 comprises a porosity having an average pore size of 200-500 microns. In some embodiments, the pores of inner portion(s) 130 and outer layers 120 and 122 are interconnected by channels through implant 110.

[0074] Implant 110 generally acts as a dissolving implant or a time release bone fusion capsule or implant. The M0 macrophages are attracted to implant 110 and converted to M1 macrophages upon arrival. The M1 macrophages “dissolve” or phagocytize outer layer 120 and then inner layer 122, which comprise the antigen or antigen mixture (LPS, LTA, and/or other suitable antigen) and, once this is done, the M1 macrophages encounter the denser inner portion 130 containing interleukins. Inner portion 130 containing interleukins modulates the transition of M1 or inflammatory macrophages to M2 or anti-inflammatory macrophages thereby facilitating the reparative process (i.e., bone growth or fusion). Implant 110 is eventually incorporated and transformed into normal regenerative bone by actively orchestrating the key cellular actors involved in bone healing.

[0075] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of implant 210. Implant 210 generally comprises implant matrix 212 which includes outer surface(s) 214 and pores 220. In some embodiments, implant matrix 212 may further comprise recess 230, one or more layers (e.g., 240, 240A-B), and/or inner portion 250, as will be described in greater detail below.

[0076] Outer surface 214 is any surface of implant matrix 212 facing radially outward therefrom. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, wherein implant 210 is generally represented as a rectangular prism, implant matrix 212 comprises six outer surfaces 214. In some embodiments, pores 220 are at least partially interconnected. By interconnected it is meant that pores 220 are fluidly connected such that fluid may penetrate inner most pores 220 through outer surfaces 214 (i.e., accessible void). In some embodiments, implant matrix 212 along with pores 220 is 3D printed such that a desired porosity, or void volume, is achieved. In some embodiments, the diameter of pores 220 is substantially the same throughout implant matrix 212. In some embodiments, the diameter of pores 220 decreases in a radially inward direction from outer surface 214. In some embodiments, the diameter of pores 220 increases in a radially inward direction from outer surface 214.

[0077] Implant matrix 212 comprises inert beta-tricalcium phosphate, CaCO3, silicon, PLGA, and/or hydroxyapatite. In some embodiments, implant matrix 212 consists of inert beta-tricalcium phosphate, CaCO3, silicon, and PLGA. In some embodiments, implant matrix 212 consists of inert beta-tricalcium phosphate, CaCO3, silicon, and PLGA with silicon at 1% by weight. In some embodiments, implant matrix 212 comprises inert beta-tricalcium phosphate or hydroxyapatite alone. In some embodiments, implant matrix 212 comprises allograft bone, autograft bone, xenograft bone, a titanium implant, a polyether ether ketone (PEEK) implant, and/or synthetic bone void filler. It should be appreciated that implant 210 and its components may comprise any geometry suitable for facilitating bone morphogenesis, for example, cuboid, cube, sphere, cylinder, cone, tetrahedron, triangular prism, etc., and that the present disclosure should not be limited to the geometric shape(s) shown in the figures.

[0078] Implant matrix 212 further comprises an antigen, for example, a bacterial antigen an/or a viral antigen, applied thereto. In some embodiments, the antigen comprises at least one of LPS, LTA, and interferon gamma.

[0079] In some embodiments, implant matrix 212 is dipped into a liquid form of antigen. Since pores 220 are at least partially fluidly connected, the liquid form of antigen would penetrate or impregnate implant matrix 212 to the innermost pores. By impregnate, it is meant that the antigen fills, imbues, permeates, or saturates pores 220 of implant matrix 212.

[0080] In some embodiments, implant matrix 212 is painted with a liquid form of antigen. For example, using a brush, roller, or other suitable tool, liquid antigen is painted onto one or more outer surfaces 214 of implant matrix 212. In some embodiments, antigen is sprayed onto the matrix (e.g., using air-atomized spray, airless spray, or electrostatic or high-volume low pressure systems). In some embodiments, antigen is bonded to an outer surface 214 of implant matrix 212, for example, using a biologic adhesive.

[0081] In some embodiments, antigen is inserted into pores 220 of implant matrix 212. For example, antigen may be 3D printed into pores 220 as the 3D printer is also forming implant matrix 212. The 3D printer could print a first layer of implant matrix 212 with pores 220 therein exposed, and then print antigen into the exposed pores 220. Then, 3D printer would print a second layer of implant matrix 212 on top of the first layer. In some embodiments, antigen may be injected into implant matrix 212 (e.g., via a syringe or other injecting device).

[0082] FIG. 6 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of implant 210 taken generally along line 6-6 in FIG. 5. FIG. 6 shows implant matrix 212 including plurality of pores 220, wherein one or more pores 220 are at least partially filled with antigen 222. The various techniques described above may be used to arrange antigen 222 in pores (e.g., dipping, injecting, inserting, 3D printing, etc.).

[0083] As previously described, antigen 222 is operatively arranged to attract monocytes and macrophages to the site via chemotaxis and initiate the M1 phase of macrophages. Specifically, antigen 222 attracts monocytes and macrophages to the site, and once there, converts M0 macrophages into M1 macrophages, which phagocytose antigen 222.

[0084] It should be appreciated that pores 220 may be uniform, having substantially the same geometry, or non-uniform, varying in geometry. Pores 220, although shown being substantially rectangular, may comprise any suitable geometry, for example, circular, spherical, rectangular prism, square, polygonal prism, etc. It should further be appreciated that pores 220 are fluidly interconnected allowing antigen and/or other material to penetrate the innermost pores 220 from outer surface 214. Such interconnection also allows monocytes and macrophages to enter the innermost pores.

[0085] FIG. 7 is a simplified cross-sectional view of implant 210 taken generally along line 7-7 in FIG. 6. By simplified it is meant only that individual pores 220 are not shown, although it is intended that implant matrix 212 comprise pores 220 as shown in FIGS. 5-6. For simplicity and to more clearly illustrate other aspects of various embodiments of the present disclosure, individual pores 220 are not expressly shown in FIG. 7.

[0086] As shown in FIG. 7, in some embodiments implant 210 may further comprise recess 230. Recess 230 is arranged in outer surface 214 of implant matrix 212. In some embodiments, implant 210 comprises a plurality of recesses. Recess or hole 230 extends from outer surface 214 radially inward. In some embodiments, and as best shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, recess 230 is arranged between and spaced apart from the edges of outer surface 214 in which it is arranged. In some embodiments, layer 240 comprising an antigen is arranged in recess 230. This arrangement encourages phagocytosis and thus bone growth into implant 210 in the direction indicated by arrow A. It is desirable that bone growth be encouraged to penetrate implant matrix 212, as implant matrix 212 will act as a structure to support bone growth. As such, antigen layer 240 will attract monocytes and macrophages to recess 230, and once there, layer 240 converts M0 macrophages into M1 macrophages, which phagocytose antigen 222. Subsequently, monocytes and macrophages may further enter the inner pores 220 due to attraction to antigen 222 arranged therein, thereby facilitating phagocytosis within implant matrix 212.

[0087] In some embodiments, recess 230 comprises first layer 242A comprising a cytokine (e.g., interferon, interleukin, growth factors, etc.) arranged in the bottom thereof and second layer 242B comprising an antigen arranged on top of first layer 242A. In such embodiments, the antigen layer 242B attracts the monocytes and macrophages and converts M0 macrophages into M1 macrophages, which phagocytose antigen layer 242B. Subsequently, cytokine or interleukin layer 242A initiates the M2 phase of macrophages. Once the M1 macrophages completely and/or partially phagocytize second layer 242B (i.e., all of the LPS, LTA, and/or other suitable antigen is eaten away), the M1 macrophages encounter first layer 242A, which comprises the cytokine, for example interleukins 4, 10, and/or 13, and are converted to M2 macrophages. The M2 macrophages begin the reparative process and hence bony repair or fusion. M1 macrophages are converted to M2 macrophages through contact with first layer 242A (e.g., the interleukins) and/or inner portion 250. As shown in FIG. 7, in some embodiments, implant matrix 212 comprises inner portion 250. Inner portion 250 may be in addition or alternative to first layer 242A, and is operatively arranged to convert M1 macrophages to M2 macrophages. More specifically, since inner portion 250 is arranged within implant 210 and spaced apart from outer surface 214, it draws macrophages into implant matrix 212 following and/or during phagocytosis of the antigen, thereby facilitating bony repair within implant matrix 212. Additionally, once the M1 macrophages completely and/or partially phagocytize the antigen (i.e., in layer 240, layer 242B, or pores 220), interleukins are released by the M1 macrophages to initiate the M2 phase of macrophages. Thus, implant 210 can convert M1 macrophages to M2 macrophages in two ways: 1) after M1 macrophages completely and/or partially phagocytize the antigen in layer 240, 242B and/or pores 220; and, 2) when M1 macrophages come into contact with layer 242A and/or inner portion 250. In some embodiments, inner portion 250 and/or first layer 242A comprises a cytokine. In some embodiments, inner portion 250 and/or first layer 242A comprises interleukin 4 at 10 ng/ml. In some embodiments, inner portion 250 and/or first layer 242A comprises interleukin 10 and 13 at 10 ng/ml. Implant 110 is eventually incorporated and transformed into normal regenerative bone by actively orchestrating the key cellular actors involved in bone healing.

[0088] It will be appreciated that various aspects of the disclosure above and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be desirably combined into many other different systems or applications. Various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art which are also intended to be encompassed by the following claims.

REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0089] 10 Implant [0090] 12 Implant matrix [0091] 20 Outer portion [0092] 30 Inner portion [0093] 110 Implant [0094] 112 Implant matrix [0095] 120 Layer [0096] 122 Layer [0097] 130 Inner portion [0098] 210 Implant [0099] 212 Matrix [0100] 214 Outer surface [0101] 220 Pores [0102] 222 Antigen [0103] 230 Recess [0104] 240 Layer [0105] 242 A Layer [0106] 242 B Layer [0107] 250 Inner portion [0108] A Arrow