Basic fibroblast growth factor impregnated hydrogel microspheres for embolization of cerebral arteriovenous...

To assess the prevention of recanalization at embolized sites in cerebral arteriovenous malformations, the authors devised a novel embolic material, hydrogel microspheres prepared from poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate impregnated with basic fibroblast growth factor. In this article, preparation of the microspheres, and preliminary study of in vitro and in vivo performance are discussed. Poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate, prepared from end capping of poly(ethylene glycol) (molecular weights, 1,000, 2,000, and 4,000) with acryloyl chloride and benzophenone derived poly(ethylene glycol), prepared from poly(ethylene glycol) (molecular weight, 2,000) with benzoyl benzoic acid chloride as a photoinitiator, were dissolved in a buffer solution with or without basic fibroblast growth factor. The mixed solution was dropped stepwise into liquid paraffin with stirring. Ultraviolet light irradiation resulted in the formation of relatively rigid hydrogel microspheres (diameter, 100-400 microm). The in vitro study showed that the higher the molecular weight of poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate used, the faster the release rate of immobilized protein. Canine kidneys were embolized with these microspheres via the femoral artery using a microcatheter. Histologic examination showed that microspheres occluded arterioles. The degree of accumulation of fibroblasts and extracellular matrix were larger for basic fibroblast growth factor impregnated microspheres than for nonimpregnated ones. Basic fibroblast growth factor released from microspheres may help regenerate tissues at arteriovenous malformation sites, and recanalization is expected to be prevented.