[Preparation and physicochemical characterization of hydrogel microspheres for embolization]

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Medical Device Development

Background:

• Embolization is a critical medical procedure used to block blood vessels.
• Development of biocompatible and effective embolic agents is an ongoing area of research.
• Hydrogel microspheres offer potential as controllable and customizable embolic materials.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize novel hydrogel microspheres for embolization applications.
• To investigate the influence of various precursor concentrations on microsphere properties.
• To evaluate the suitability of the developed microspheres for clinical embolization.

Main Methods:

• N-[tris(hydroxymethyl)methyl]acrylamide-gelatin microspheres (TGMs) were prepared using inverse suspension polymerization.
• Systematic variation of gelatin, monomer, cross-linking agent, surfactant, and initiator concentrations.
• Characterization included microscopic analysis for size and morphology, water absorption rate, elasticity testing, and infrared spectroscopy for chemical confirmation.

Main Results:

• TGMs were observed as round with smooth surfaces, with average diameters around 700.0 micrometers.
• Microsphere diameter, water absorption, and elasticity were significantly influenced by precursor concentrations.
• Optimized TGMs demonstrated a water adsorption rate of 12.4 g/g and elasticity allowing passage through a 1600.0 micrometer microcatheter.

Conclusions:

• The developed N-[tris(hydroxymethyl)methyl]acrylamide-gelatin microspheres possess favorable characteristics for embolization.
• Properties such as surface morphology, size, elasticity, and hydrophilicity meet requirements for clinical application.
• These TGMs represent a promising advancement in embolic agent technology.