Synthesis and characterization of multifunctional magnetic polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) microspheres for embolization of blood vessel

Goal: Vascular embolization has exhibited increasing significance in treatment of terminal cancer. In order to achieve better embolic effects, magnetic polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel microspheres were synthesized for magnetic field-controlled vascular embolization. Methods: Inverse suspension crosslinking method was adopted to synthesize the magnetic hydrogel microspheres by loading magnetic nanoparticles inside. The magnetic property, CT angiography, drug release, and magnetothermal performance were characterized in vitro, respectively. The fluidity of microspheres was also showed by simulation and experiment in vitro. Results: The microspheres were shown to have capability of drug loading, CT imaging, and magnetothermal behavior. Both the simulated and the experimental results exhibited that the microspheres can be controlled to aggregate in the fluid in the presence of magnetic field. Significance: The magnetic hydrogel microspheres exhibited the specific fluidity-like iodized oil, but were able to form solid embolus. Because of the advantages of this novel material, it is expected to get extensive application in the clinic embolotherapy.