Novel Implementation of Microporous Annealed Particle HydroGel for Next-generation Posterior Pharyngeal Wall Augmentation

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Synthetic hydrogels offer a promising platform for volumetric augmentation of the aerodigestive tract for precision medicine approaches. We propose that an ideal biomaterial platform for PPW augmentation to treat VPD would provide a durable tissue bulking effect, maintain implant configuration, and avoid FBR within a dynamic tissue environment. Specifically, Microporous Annealed Particle (MAP) hydrogels are an ideal material platform for the minimally invasive treatment of VPD. This novel biomaterial is a promising scientific advancement that has implications for improving VPD in patients with cleft and craniofacial conditions, particularly related to pharyngeal wall augmentation for managing VPD. There is a pressing need to utilize novel biomaterials and minimally invasive approaches to improve long-term outcomes for managing and resolving VPD. To address this need, we have developed a novel iteration of MAP hydrogel that is optimized for muscle implantation, tolerates dynamic movement, promotes excellent tissue integration, and provides persistent tissue bulk via 1:1 volume replacement with tissue de novo. Application of this unique biomaterial for PPW augmentation in an animal model will allow for novel analyses and new clinical applications for the MAP hydrogel. This proposal specifically aims to (1) quantify changes in pharyngeal wall anatomy in a rabbit model after pharyngeal wall augmentation and (2) identify the host-implant microenvironment required to achieve in situ tissue regeneration following optimized MAP gel pharyngeal wall augmentation.